Zinc deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women's attending antenatal clinics in public health facilities of Konso Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential mineral known to be important for the normal physiological functions of the immune system. It is one of the basic nutrients required during pregnancy for the normal development and growth of the fetus. However, Zinc deficiency during pregnancy causes irreversible effects on the newborn such as growth impairment, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations and poor birth outcomes. Even though, the effect of Zinc deficiency is devastating during pregnancy, there is scarcity of evidence on Zinc deficiency and related factors among pregnant women in the current study area. OBJECTIVE: To assess Zinc deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in public health facilities of Konso Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 424 pregnant mothers. Data were collected using pre tested questionnaire (for interview part), and 5 blood sample was drawn for serum zinc level determination. Data were entered to Epi-Data version 3.1 software and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed and independent variables with a p-value ≤ 0.25 were included in multivariable analysis. Serum zinc level was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy by applying clean and standard procedures in the laboratory. Finally adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level, P-value < 0.05 was used to identify significant factors for Zinc deficiency. RESULT: The prevalence of Zinc deficiency was found to be 128 (30.26%) with the mean serum zinc level of 0.56±0.12 g/dl. Age, 25-34 years [AOR 2.14 (1.19,3.82)], and 35-49 years [AOR 2.59 (1.15, 5.85)], type of occupation, farming [AOR 6.17 (1.36, 28.06)], lack of antenatal follow up during pregnancy [AOR 3.57 (1.05,12.14)], lack of freedom to purchase food items from market [AOR 3.61 (1.27, 10.27)], and inadequate knowledge on nutrition [AOR 3.10(1.58, 6.08)] were factors associated with Zinc deficiency. CONCLUSION: Zinc deficiency is a public health problem among pregnant mothers in the current study area. Improving maternal nutritional knowledge, motivating to have frequent antenatal follow up, and empowering to have financial freedom to purchase food items from market were the modifiable factors to reduce Zinc deficiency. Nutritional intervention that focused on improving nutritional knowledge and insuring access to Zinc sources food items should be delivered for pregnant mothers.

Undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among adults in Debre Markos town, North-West Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Globally, hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Despite this high public health burden, no community-based evidence regarding the magnitude and related factors of hypertension has been reported in the study area. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of undiagnosed hypertension in Debre Markos town, North-West Ethiopia, 2020. Method: A community-based cross- sectional study design was conducted from January to March 2020. Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the participants were collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Physical measurements including body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were collected using standardized measuring instruments. Statistical analysis was collected using SPSS version 21 software. Univariate logistic regression model was used to present the results. The p value less than 0.05 in a multivariable analysis was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: From a total of 630 samples, 600 participants, 270 (45%) males and 330 (55%) females with a mean age of 36.32 ± 12.48 years, were participated giving a response rate of 95.2%. The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among adults was 12.7%. Of these, 5.5% were males and 7.2% were females. Factors including age (above 60 years) (adjusted odds ratio = 2.92, 95% confidence interval (1.05, 8.06), p = 0.03), body mass index (overweight and obese) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.85, 95% confidence interval (2.16, 6.87), p < 0.01), fatty diet consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (1.03, 3.42), p = 0.04), family history of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (1.04, 4.69), p = 0.04) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among adults was found to be remarkable. Therefore, a community-based health education and hypertension screening strategies are needed to prevent the problem early in life in Debre Markos town and the nation at large.

Adherence to diabetes self-care management and associated factors among people with diabetes in Gamo Gofa Zone public health hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to diabetes self-care management is a lifestyle modification for people with diabetes which includes; medication, dietary practice and regular physical activity. The objective of this study was to assess the adherence to diabetes self-care management and associated factors among people with diabetes in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern, Ethiopia, 2018. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design with a systematic random sampling technique was conducted. A total 635 diabetic participants were involved in this study. Data were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the study population in relation to the relevant variables. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. P-value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of good adherence toward diabetes self-care management was 341 (53.7%), (95% confidence interval = 46.09, 61.31). Regarding diabetes self-care practices, poor adherence had been detected in blood sugar measurement practice, dietary feeding practice, physical exercise and eye examination practice. The multivariable analysis indicated that government workers [adjusted odds ratio = 2.74 (1.03, 7.30)], training on diabetes self-care practice [adjusted odds ratio = 3.13 (1.89, 5.16)], diabetes' association membership [adjusted odds ratio = 1.59 (1.01, 2.50)], having personal glucometer at home [adjusted odds ratio = 2.70 (1.37, 5.33)], duration of diabetic illness >10 years [adjusted odds ratio = 9.59 (3.99, 23.05)] and people with diabetes who were not developing complication [adjusted odds ratio = 1.54 (1.01, 2.33)] were significantly associated with good adherence to diabetes self-care management practice. CONCLUSION: Significant number of diabetes patients had poor adherence to diabetes self-care practice. Special focus should be given to farmers with diabetes, those with diabetic complication and for those with duration of diabetes less than 10 years. Periodical training should be given for people with diabetes on dietary feeding, physical exercise and eye examination practice.

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice towards COVID-19 and associated factors among outpatient service visitors at Debre Markos compressive specialized hospital, north-west Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease which is a major public health problem worldwide. Given the serious threats imposed by COVID-19 and the absence of vaccines until August 2020, preventive measures play an essential role in reducing infection rates and controlling its spread. This shows the necessity of public adherence for preventive and control measures, which is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 and associated factors among outpatient service visitors, Debre Markos compressive specialized hospital, north-west,Ethiopia. METHOD: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design with a systematic random sampling technique was conducted from July to August 2020. Among a total of 404 participants, 398 were recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was edited, coded, and entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS-25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with KAP. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The prevalence of poor knowledge, attitude and practice among the outpatient service visitors were 27.1%, 30.7% and 44%, respectively. The mean age of the participants was 33.4 ±10.9 years. Variables like; educational status, ''can't read and write" [AOR = 3.76, 95% CI (1.36-10.42), P = 0.01], read and write [AOR = 5.90, 95% CI (2.39-14.98), P = 0.01], rural residence [AOR = 3.04, 95% CI (1.43-6.46), P = 0.01] and having no television [AOR = 0.8, 95% CI (0.79-0.89), P = 0.03] were significantly associated with poor knowledge. While, educational status of "can't read and write", [AOR = 6.71, 95% CI (2.78-16.16), P = 0.01] and rural residence [AOR = 2.03, 95% CI (1.14-3.61), P = 0.02] were significantly associated with poor attitude. Additionally, poor knowledge, [AOR = 22.73, 95% CI (10.5-49.21), P = 0.01], rural residence [AOR = 2.08, 95% CI (1.08-4.88), P = 0.04] and having no television [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.05-4.79), P = 0.01] were significantly associated with poor practice. CONCLUSION: In this study, knowledge, attitude, and practice among outpatient service visitors was poor which needs targeted health education and interventions from the health professional to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19. In parallel with this, special attention should be given for the rural community and for those with an educational status of can't read and write.

Menstrual related discomfort and associated factors among undergraduate students in Ambo University, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a natural phenomenon which is an indicator of women's health that occurs throughout the reproductive years of every female. This phenomenon is unique to the females and governed by the girl's general health condition, genetic, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors. Although it is a normal physiological process, most females experience some degree of pain and discomfort in their menstruation period. Even though there are limited studies so far reported about the issue in some other parts of the country, there is no scientific evidence in the present study area. OBJECTIVE: To assess menstrual-associated discomfort and associated factors among undergraduate students in Ambo University, Central Ethiopia, 2018. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Ambo University from 30 March to 30 April 2018. Stratified sampling technique was used and 748 study participants were randomly selected from faculties using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Only data from 713 study participants were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Logistic regression was used to associate factors with menstrual-associated discomfort. All statistical tests were considered as significant at a p-value of < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of menstrual-associated discomfort was found to be 68.6%. The variables age (Being younger) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.28, 11.78)), Tigire ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio = 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 5.75)), unmarried (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.21, 3.76)), smokers (adjusted odds ratio = 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.12, 4.29)), drinking caffeine (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 2.74)), amount of flow (adjusted odds ratio = 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.28, 4.62)), and duration of pain (adjusted odds ratio = 4.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.93, 9.29)) were significantly associated with menstrual-associated discomfort. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that majority of the participants was experienced with menstrual-associated discomfort. As the tendency of smoking cigarettes, drinking caffeine, and amount of flow is increased, menstrual associated discomfort is increased. Therefore, specific plan of action and support is urgently needed in order to enlighten and treat menstrual-associated discomfort.

Cataract and associated factors among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, it is estimated that 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, of which around 65.2 million is due to cataract. Cataract is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with the greatest burden found in low-income countries. That is providing recent epidemiological data is very crucial to design intervention measures. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of cataract among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic, Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: The sample size was calculated using single population formula and determined to be 174. All adult participants aged ⩾40 were the source population and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were the study population. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted from July to August, 2020. Semi-structured questionnaires and patients' card were used to collect data. Data were entered into epi-data version 4.6 and the analysis was conducted using SPSS-25 software. Data were presented using graphs, tables and texts. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with cataract. Adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: From a total of 174 samples, 158 participated, giving a response rate of 90.8%. The prevalence of cataract was found to be 90 (57%). The variables-age 60-69 years (adjusted odds ratio = 6.667, 95% confidence interval: (1.662, 13.101)); age 70-79 years (adjusted odds ratio = 9.583, 95% confidence interval: (2.840, 32.342)), and single marital status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.945, 95% confidence interval: (1.241, 6.989))-had a significant association with cataract. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cataract was found to be very high, which needs immediate intervention. Older age and single marital status were found to be significantly associated with cataract prevalence.

Prevalence of color blindness among school children in three primary schools of Gish -Abay town district, Amhara regional state, north-west Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Although there are limited studies, recent data are lacking to accurately determine the magnitude of color blindness in Ethiopia and there is no evidence of such a study in Gish Abay town district. The purpose of thie study was to assess the prevalence of color blindness among school children in Gish Abaya town district, Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used a community-based analytical cross-sectional study design with multistage cluster random sampling technique from September to October 2016. Three primary schools were selected randomly in the district of Gish Abay town district. Ishihara color plates (24 -edition) was used for color vision test and Snellen' tumbling 'E' chart was used for visual acuity test. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 statistical software and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with color blindness. RESULTS: Among a total of 854 subjects, 850 participants with age range of 8-18 years were screened for color vision test giving a response rate of 99.53%. Among the participants, 452 (53.2%) were males and 398 (46.8%) were females. There were 36 (4.24%) cases of impaired color vision. Among these, 27 (3.18%) were males and 9 (1.06%) were females. Out of 36 cases of color blindness, 15 (1.77%) were deutan, 7 (0.82%) were protan and 14(1.65%) were unclassified (both deutan and protan forms). The variables; sex adjusted odds ratio (AOR [95% Confidence Interval] =3.19 [1.45; 6.98], p-value = 0.004); and visual impairment (AOR [95% CI] =4.15 [1.77; 9.75], p-value = 0.001) were significantly associated with color impairment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of childhood color blindness in Gish Abay town district was relatively similar with other studies in Ethiopia. Sex and visual impairment are factors found to be related with the children's color blindness. Periodical eye examination at the time of school admission is recommended to adjust the children's occupation early in life.