Nexus between postpartum depression and exclusive breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia.

Background: Across the globe, breastfeeding stands out as a highly effective strategy for reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, postpartum depression (PPD) emerges as a notable public health issue, adversely affecting both exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices for infants and the fulfillment of parenting roles. Despite the lack of substantial evidence in Ethiopia and the specific study areas, indicating the association between PPD and EBF practices, this study endeavors to fill this gap. The primary objective is to examine the correlation between PPD and EBF practices, along with exploring other pertinent factors, in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 7 March to 5 April 2019. The study involved the recruitment of 462 participants through a systematic random sampling method. Data collection was facilitated by conducting a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. To screen for PPD, we used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool. This tool, EPDS, was used solely as a screening tool and not for diagnostic purposes. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 24 for comprehensive statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between independent variables and dependent variables. Odds ratios, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to ascertain the presence and strength of any associations. Statistical significance was acknowledged at a p-value of <0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of EBF practices was found to be 58.2% (95% CI: 51.4-65.7), while the prevalence of PPD was 18.7% (95% CI: 15.94-26.7). Among mothers without PPD, the prevalence of EBF practices was notably higher at 62.4% (95% CI: 55.9-65.2%) compared to mothers experiencing PPD, where the prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%). Mothers who experienced PPD exhibited 51% reduced odds of practicing EBF compared to their counterparts (AOR = 0.49. 95% CI: 0.25-0.8). Furthermore, factors such as having a higher family monthly income (AOR = 8.7, 95% CI: 4.2-17.2), being multiparous (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI 4.9-10.8), attending antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 3.4-14.1), opting for vaginal delivery (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.6-17.4), and receiving husband's support (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 4.6-12.7) demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with EBF practices. Conclusion: In this study, a substantial number of mothers demonstrated suboptimal EBF practices during the first 6 months of their infants' lives. Consequently, the findings underscore a clear association between PPD and EBF. Thus, it is imperative to intensify efforts in the early detection and treatment of PPD, enhance household income, advocate for ANC, and encourage active husband involvement to bolster EBF practices.

The incidence of surgical site infection and its predictors among women delivered via cesarean sections in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although surgical wound infection remains a serious issue worldwide, the disease burden is greater in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Even though there were primary studies conducted at district levels in Ethiopia, there is little evidence about the pooled incidence of surgical site infections at the national level. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis determined the pooled incidence of surgical site infection and its associated factors among cesarean-delivered women in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and higher educational institutional repositories. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Funnel plot and egger tests were computed to determine the existence of publication bias. A subgroup analysis was carried out. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled incidence of surgical site infection among women delivered via cesarean section was 12.32% (95% CI: 8.96-16.11%). Rural residence (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.15-3.87), membrane rupture (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.24-2.85), chorioammionitis (AOR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.45-6.8), general anesthesia (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.22-2.75), post-operative Hgb level less than 11 mg/dL (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.54-4.96) and membrane rupture greater or equal to 12 h (AOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.93-5.92) were independent risk factors for surgical site infections. Conclusion: More than one in 10 women delivered via cesarean section developed surgical site infections in Ethiopia. Women living in rural areas and those with a membrane rupture, chorioammionitis, or anemia should be given special attention. General anesthesia should not be a mandatory procedure.

Trend analysis of extreme rainfall indices from CHIRPS precipitation estimates over the Lake Tana sub-basin, Abbay Basin of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is among the African nations most susceptible to climate change because of its frequent droughts and heavy rainfall. Therefore, hydrological and water management problems require an investigation of regional variability and extreme rainfall patterns. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal trends of extreme rainfall in the Lake Tana sub-basin (LTSB) of Ethiopia's upper Blue Nile basin (UBNB) between 1981 and 2019. The trend and geographic patterns of ten extreme rainfall indices are evaluated using high-resolution data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Stations (CHIRPS). The researcher used RClimDex, an R software tool, to analyze the ten severe rainfall indices. The variability of the extreme rain indices was also assessed by applying the standard anomaly index (SAI). The trend analysis shows that the majority of rainfall indices decreased in the majority of station locations. Among the rainfall locations, the decreasing trend was only significant in 40% consecutive wet days (CWD), 13.33% (R95p and R99p), and 6.66% highest rainfall amount in a 1-day period (RX1day). In contrast, significant positive patterns were revealed in the incidence of rainfall events of number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm), annual total wet day rainfall (PRCPTOT), and consecutive dry days (CDD), with significant positive trends of 26.66% (R10mm) and 40% (PRCPTOT). Furthermore, a spatial distribution result of extreme rainfall trends reveals considerable variations between stations location. Thus, these findings point to the necessity of creating adaptation and mitigation plans for climate change variability within the sub-basin.

COVID-19 mortality rate and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 mortality rate continues to be high in low-income countries like Ethiopia as the new variant's transmission expands and the countries' limited capacity to combat the disease causes severe outcomes, including deaths. The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of the COVID-19 mortality rate and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods: The main electronic databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and African journals online. The included studies' qualities were assessed independently using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. The pooled effect size and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals across studies were determined using the random-effects model. I2 is used to estimate the percentage of overall variation across studies due to heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to find the published bias. A subgroup analysis was conducted. The effect of a single study on the overall estimation was determined by sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 21 studies with 42,307 study participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 mortality was 14.44% (95% CI: 10.35-19.08%), with high significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.92%, p < 0.001). The risk of mortality from COVID-19 disease was higher for patients with comorbidity (AHR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13-2.54) and cardiovascular disease (AHR = 2, 95% CI: 1.09-2.99) than their counterparts without these conditions. Conclusion: A significant number of COVID-19 patients died in Ethiopia. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, should receive special attention to reduce COVID-19 mortality. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, registration identifier (ID) CRD42020165740.

Factors associated with stress-related symptoms among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Stress is a common psychological problem present in people with epilepsy and has a serious impact on the health-related satisfaction of people with epilepsy and their cohabiters. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and related factors of stress. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 301 systematically chosen people with epilepsy. The seven stress-related items of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress -21 questionnaire was used to measure stress. Data were entered using Epi Info and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Predictors with a p-value < 0.20 in the bivariate logistic regression were transferred into the multivariate model. A p-value of less than 0.05 was viewed as statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of stress symptoms in this study was 23.9%. Daily labor occupational status with Adjusted Odds ratio [(AOR) = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.469], onset of illness at the age of 18 years and above (AOR = 0.188, 95% CI: 0.046, 0.771), perceived stigma (AOR = 3.320, 95% CI: 1.345, 8.200), the presence of anxiety symptoms (AOR = 8.275, 95% CI: 3.345, 20.471), and belief that the condition is untreatable (AOR = 6.360, 95% CI: 1.647, 24.562) were significantly associated factors. Conclusion: The occurrence of stress was high, and it reinforced that there is a requisite for the identification and handling of stress-related symptoms among people with epilepsy.

Rabies prevention and control practices and associated factors among dog owners in Chiro, West Hararghe, Ethiopia.

Background: Rabies is among the most deadly and fatal diseases of all human diseases, once clinical symptoms appear. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, rabies prevention and control practices is not adequate. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices toward rabies prevention and control and identified factors associated with prevention and control practices. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30 to August 30, 2021. A total of 326 dog-owner households were selected from the total number of 6500 dog-owner households using a simple random sampling method. Pretested and structured questionnaire were used to collect the data. The sections of the questionnaire includes socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practice toward rabies prevention practices, and health and personal-related characteristics of the participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the association variables. Finally, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance. Results: Of 326 households involved in the study, 52.8% of the participants were found to have poor rabies prevention and control practices. More than half (52.1%) of the respondents had good knowledge of rabies prevention and control practices, and 49.1% had a positive attitude. Only 28.2% of the respondents reported a history of dog bites. Factors associated with good rabies prevention and control practices were; having good knowledge of human rabies virus [(Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 2.41 (95% CI: 2.25-4.83)], having good attitude on prevention and control [AOR = 2.06 (95% CI: 1.95-3.82)], having only one dog per household [AOR = 2.46 (95% CI: 1.25-4.83)], availability of vet clinic within 30 min distance from residents [AOR = 9.32 (95% CI: 4.19-20.70)], and getting health information from Mass media [AOR = 3.68(95% CI: 1.74-7.77)] or Health workers [AOR = 3.16 (95% CI: 1.60-6.23)]. Conclusions: More than half (52.1%) of the participants had poor rabies prevention and control practices. Improving rabies prevention and control practices through improving the knowledge and attitude of the community is important to protect public health.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Diarrheic Under-Five Children Attending Bahir Dar and Han Health Centers, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. The problem is highly pronounced in children under five years of age who are not able to adhere to prevention and control precautions. Objective: To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and associated factors among diarrheic children under five years of age attending Bahir Dar and Han Health Centers, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diarrheic children less than five years of age at Bahir Dar and Han Health Centers, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. A total of 221 diarrheic children less than five years of age were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured Amharic version questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from children's parents or guardians. Approximately 1 mL of fresh fecal specimen was collected and subjected to direct saline wet mount microscopy. All data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and transferred to SPSS statistical software version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression was employed to assess risk factors associated with increased prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in diarrheic children under five years of age, and a P value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 19% (95%CI = 14-24.6). The most prevalent intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (24 (10.86%)), Giardia lamblia (12 (5.43%)), and Ascaris lumbricoides (2 (0.9%)). Children's mother/guardian washed their hands sometimes after the toilet (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.09-8.18), children who always eat unwashed fruits and vegetables (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.09-19.75), and children's mother/guardian who had no knowledge about the mode of transmission (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.04-15.64) were risk factors significantly associated with increased intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found low compared to the population prevalence reported by WHO. However, strengthening health education about food and personal hygiene of both children and their mothers/guardians is crucial to limit the transmission of IPIs.

Phenotypic Diversity Assessment of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench) Genotypes in Ethiopia Using Multivariate Analysis.

Okra is a minor crop that has not gained research attention in Ethiopia. Characterization of such underutilized crops has important implications for their utilization. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of okra genotypes in Ethiopia using agromorphological and biochemical markers. Thirty-six okra genotypes were evaluated for 29 agromorphological and biochemical traits. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for most of the traits, except for the number of flower epicalyx and fruit diameter. Results of the principal component analysis indicated that the first eight principal component axes accounted for 3.83 to 30.54% and 82.44% of the total variability. Genetic distances estimated by Euclidean distances from 27 traits ranged from 3.55 to 14.49. The 36 genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters from the Euclidean distance matrix using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The first cluster contained 24 (66.66%) genotypes, and the second cluster contained 10 (27.77%) of the genotypes. This study showed the presence of considerable genetic variation among the genotypes for most of the traits, including fruit yield, seed yield, and nutrient content of seeds, indicating the possibility of using these genotypes to develop okra varieties with high fruit-yielding and good nutritional content.

Response to self-care practice messages among patients with diabetes mellitus visiting Jimma University medical center facility based cross sectional design application of extended parallel process model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine response to self-care practice message among patients with diabetes in Jimma University Medical center based on the Extended Parallel Process Model. DESIGN: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING: Jimma University Medical Center is found in Jimma town. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 343 patients with diabetes participated in the study; making a response rate of 93.9%. All patients with diabetes who were 18 years and above and who were on follow up and registered were included in the study and those with Gestational DM were excluded. DATA ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULT: Responsive respondents scored high in self-care practice score as compared to other respondents. educational status, information sources, knowledge, and preferred message appeals were independent predictors of controlling the danger of diabetes. CONCLUSION: There is a significant gap in controlling the danger of diabetes. Variables like the level of education, knowledge of diabetes mellitus, information sources, and message appeals were independent predictors of controlling the danger of diabetes. Designing message having higher efficacy while maintaining the level of threat is the best that fits the existing audience's message processing to bring about desired diabetic self-care Practice.

Magnitude of Streptococcus pneumoniae Among Under-Five Children with Symptom of Acute Respiratory Infection at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia: Associated Risk Factors and Antibacterial Susceptibility Patterns.

PURPOSE: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major cause of pneumoniae infection among under-five children that leads to high morbidity and mortality. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of Streptococcus pneumoniae in under-five children of an acute respiratory infection, assess its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and define the associated factors. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 384 under-five children of acute respiratory infection attending outpatient department of Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia, from March 1 to 30, 2020. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from the study participants using a structured questionnaire. Sputum samples were collected and processed to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogen using the culture and biochemical tests as per the standard procedures. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 22. RESULTS: The proportion of Streptococcus pneumoniae in under-five children with acute respiratory infection was 11.2%. About 50% of isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae was resistant to tetracycline and cotrimoxazole, whereas more than 90% of it was susceptible to Ceftriaxone and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Children who lived in rural areas were 3.6 times more likely to have S. pneumoniae compared to children who lived in urban areas (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2-11) and children with familysmokers in a house were 3 times at risk to be infected with S. pneumoniae (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.8-8.0). CONCLUSION: High antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae against tetracycline and cotrimoxazole was observed and children who lived in rural areas and live with a family of cigarette smoker are factors associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, providing health educations to the family of children rural residents and isolating smokers from the house where children lived are recommended actions to reduce bacteria caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy Attending Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV-infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), mainly as a result of immuno suppression. This study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and related risk factors among HIV-infected patients attending ART clinic at Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. METHODS: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 HIV-infected patients attending the ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview-based structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and risk-factor data. About 5 g fresh stool and 4 mL venous blood were collected from each patient, then transported and tested in accordance with laboratory-standard operating procedures. Data obtained were entered into SPSS version 22.0 and analyzed. P<0.05 with 95% CI was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%, with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet-mount and formol ether-concentration technique, respectively. Eight (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites using the concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequently identified parasite (n=23, 25.3%). Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011), patients with CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001), and those who did not have a toilet in their home (P=0.049) than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Relatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites was greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts, and absence of a toilet. Therefore, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites with routine stool examinations, and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of ART-monitoring strategies for improved patient care.

Crop variety management for climate adaptation supported by citizen science.

Crop adaptation to climate change requires accelerated crop variety introduction accompanied by recommendations to help farmers match the best variety with their field contexts. Existing approaches to generate these recommendations lack scalability and predictivity in marginal production environments. We tested if crowdsourced citizen science can address this challenge, producing empirical data across geographic space that, in aggregate, can characterize varietal climatic responses. We present the results of 12,409 farmer-managed experimental plots of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Nicaragua, durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) in Ethiopia, and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in India. Farmers collaborated as citizen scientists, each ranking the performance of three varieties randomly assigned from a larger set. We show that the approach can register known specific effects of climate variation on varietal performance. The prediction of variety performance from seasonal climatic variables was generalizable across growing seasons. We show that these analyses can improve variety recommendations in four aspects: reduction of climate bias, incorporation of seasonal climate forecasts, risk analysis, and geographic extrapolation. Variety recommendations derived from the citizen science trials led to important differences with previous recommendations.

Clinico-epidemiology, malacology and community awareness of Schistosoma mansoni in Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles in Bedeno district, eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma mansoni is a major public health problem. Different studies reported unidentified sites in Ethiopia with variable prevalence and intensity, but there is no report from this study area. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinico-epidemiology, malacology, risk factors, and community awareness of S. mansoni in Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles in the Bedeno district, eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1011 study participants in 413 systematically selected households from Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles from 30 June 2016 to 30 July 2017. Data were collected by using pretested, structured questionnaires, clinical examinations, and stool examinations. Stool samples were processed by the Kato-Katz method and examined microscopically. Snails were collected by scooping from water contact points. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16 statistical software. RESULT: The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 35.7%. Heavy-intensity infection was detected in 8.9% of the study participants. Results included: participants who were unaware about the possible source of infection (adjusted odds ratio: 2.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 7.95), modes of transmission (adjusted odds ratio: 5.51; 95% confidence interval: 3.52, 12.51), prevention (adjusted odds ratio: 4.01; 95% confidence interval: 2.00, 8.75) about schistosomiasis/bilharziasis were more likely infected with S. mansoni than those who were aware. Participants who swim or bathe in the river were more likely infected with S. mansoni than those who do not (adjusted odds ratio: 6.41; 95% confidence interval: 3.15, 11.25). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were collected from all water bodies in Haradenaba and Dertoramis, but they did not shed schistosome cercaria in the laboratory. CONCLUSION: S. mansoni infection is found in high magnitude in these study areas, despite not being previously reported. A majority of the study participants had low awareness about the source of infection, mode of transmission, and prevention methods of schistosomiasis. Efforts should be made to improve community awareness about transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Drug Use during Acute Illness in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: A Household Study.

BACKGROUND: Drug use study in the community enables health authorities to understand pattern of drug utilization and its related aspects. This, in turn, can help to develop rational drug policies to be harmonized in accordance to the need of the community. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess drug use during acute illness by the general population in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. METHOD: A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken in April 2013 in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. A total of 1034 households were interviewed in the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select households. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Out of 1000 households, 210(21%) reported an episode of acute illness. The prevalence of acute illnesses in rural areas 126(25%) (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.21-2.76) was significantly higher than that of urban areas 84(17%). Cough, runny nose, sore throat, earache, fever and headache added up to 155(52%) of all reported symptoms of acute illnesses. The majority of the patients 162 (77%) took modern medications for the managements of their diseases. Half 105(50%) of the consumed medications were antibiotics. The large proportions 173(83%) of medicines for acute illness were taken orally. The greater proportions 150(93%) of medications were prescribed by health professionals. Thirty-four households (21%) reported treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute illnesses in this study was found to be 21%. Acute illnesses were more common in rural areas than urban areas. Antibiotics were the most frequently used drugs for acute illnesses.

Intestinal helminthic infections among elementary students of Babile town, eastern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal helminthic infections are important public health problems in developing countries. In Ethiopia, intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent because of low living standards and poor environmental sanitation. There are several areas in Ethiopia from which epidemiological information is lacking including Babile town. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection among students of Babile town. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from May 14 to June 08, 2012. Stool samples collected from 644 students were examined by the McMaster method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Univariate analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test to check for presence or absence of association between exposure and the presence of infection and odds ratios with 95% CI were computed to measure the strength of association. Logistic regression was used to calculate predictors of helminthic infection. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 13.8%, of which three students were infected with soil transmitted helminths with a prevalence rate of 0.47%. The prevalence of Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, hookworm, and Trichiura trichiura infections were 13, 0.6, 0.3, and 0.2% respectively. Intestinal helminthic infection was significantly associated with grade and sex of the school children. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of intestinal helminths was low. Health information dissemination is recommended. Since infection by Hymenolepis nana is a long term health problem in the area, provision of regular treatment by anthelminthic drug of choice for hymenolepiasis is also recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors of louse-borne relapsing fever in high risk populations in Bahir Dar city Northwest, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Louse- borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a vector borne acute febrile illness caused by Borrelia recurrentis and the disease is more prevalent in the high risk groups like prisoners, yekoloremaries and street children. However, prevalence and risk factors of LBRF in these populations about the disease are not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBRF in high risk populations. METHODS: A cross- sectional survey on prevalence and risk factors of LBRF in high risk populations in Bahir Dar city was conducted in December, 2012. For the study, blood was taken from the tip of the left ring finger of the participants by laboratory technicians and thick blood film was prepared from each participant and stained with 3% Giemsa for 30 min. The slides were examined and the result was reported as positive or negative using light microscopy and finally, data was also collected using a pre- tested questionnaire by face to face interviews. RESULTS: Of the 407 study participants, 383 (94.1%) were males with the mean age of 31 years and 243 (59.7%) had no formal education. The prevalence of LBRF was 2.5% and the positivity rate of LBRF was highest in yekolotemaries (6.1%) followed by street children (4.9%). However, prisoners had nil and statistically significance association was observed between high risk populations and LBRF prevalence (p < 0.001). Those study participants who lived in mud houses had the highest positivity rate (2.2%), followed by those in wood houses (0.3%). However, those who lived in brick houses had nil. Study participants who had low levels of knowledge had the highest prevalence rate of LBRF. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of LBRF was 2.5% and the rate of positivity was highest in yekolotemaries, followed by street children. Therefore, health education should be given for these high risk populations.