Prevalence and associated factors of early sexual initiation among youth female in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic and health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Early sexual initiation is a major public health concern globally, specifically in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries where reproductive health care services are limited. It is strongly related to increased risk of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, adverse birth outcomes, and psychosocial problems. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of early sexual initiation among youth females in SSA. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was employed based on the recent DHSs of sub-Saharan African countries. A total weighted sample of 184,942 youth females was considered for analysis. Given the hierarchical nature of DHS data, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Median Odds Ratio (MOR), and Likelihood Ratio (LR) test were used to assess the presence of clustering. Four nested models were fitted and the model with the lowest deviance (-2LLR0 was selected as the best-fitted model. Variables with p-value < 0.2 in the bivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the strength and statistical significance of the association. RESULTS: The prevalence of early sexual initiation among youth females in sub-Saharan Africa was 46.39% [95%CI: 41.23%, 51.5%] ranging from 16.66% in Rwanda to 71.70% in Liberia. In the final model, having primary level education [AOR = 0.82, 95% CI; 0.79, 0.85], and [AOR = 0.50, 95%CI; 0.48, 0.52], being rural [AOR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.07], having media exposure [AOR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.94], and belonged to a community with high media exposure [AOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.89,0.96] were found significantly associated with early sexual initiation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of early sexual initiation among youth females in SSA was high. Educational status, wealth index, residence, media exposure, and community media exposure have a significant association with early sexual initiation. These findings highlight those policymakers and other stakeholders had better give prior attention to empowering women, enhancing household wealth status, and media exposure to increase early sexual in the region.

Hotspots of un-iodized salt availability among Ethiopian households, evidence from the national survey data.

BACKGROUND: Universal salt iodization was started before decades but there are communities using the un-iodized salt till now. More than one-tenth of the Ethiopian community uses un-iodized salt. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the hotspots and associate factors of un-iodized salt availability in Ethiopia based on Ethiopian national household survey data. METHODS: We conducted an in-depth analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total of 15,567 households were included in the final analysis. We cleaned and weighed the data using Stata version 16 software and descriptive outputs were reported in graphs and tables. We computed the weighted prevalence of un-iodized salt and prepared it for spatial analysis. Global-level spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, and spatial interpolation using empirical Bayesian interpolation were executed using ArcGIS 10.3 to predict the magnitude of un-iodized salt at the national level. The binary logistics regression model was used to identify the contributing factors of un-iodized salt utilization. Model goodness of fit was tested with Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P = 0.96). Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to identify significant factors. RESULTS: The magnitude of un-iodized salt availability was 14.19% (95% CI: 13.65, 14.75) among Ethiopian households. Un-iodized salt hotspots were found in Afar, Somalia, and Benishangul Gumuz regions. Compared to poorest wealth index: poorer (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.64), middle (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.60), richer (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.64), and richest (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.75); compared to uneducated household head: heads with secondary (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.67) and above secondary (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.67) education reduced the odds of un-iodized salt viability, while households living in highland (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.29) had increased the odds of un-iodized salt availability. CONCLUSION: More than a tenth of the households in Ethiopia uses un-iodized salt. Hotspots of un-iodized salt availability were found in Somali and Afar regions of Ethiopia. Better wealth index and education of the household heads reduces the odds of un-iodized salt availability while living in a high altitude above 2200 m increases the odds of un-iodized salt availability in Ethiopia.

Measles second dose vaccine utilization and associated factors among children aged 24-35 months in Sub-Saharan Africa, a multi-level analysis from recent DHS surveys.

BACKGROUND: Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, measles remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity among young children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The WHO and UNICEF recommended measles-containing vaccine dose 2 (MCV2) in addition to measles-containing vaccine dose 1 (MCV1) through routine services strategies. Many factors could contribute to the routine dose of MCV2 coverage remaining far below targets in many countries of this region. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MCV2 utilization among children aged 24-35 months and analyze factors associated with it by using recent nationally representative surveys of SSA countries. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was done based on recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from eight Sub-Saharan African countries. In this region, only eight countries have a record of routine doses of measles-containing vaccine dose 2 in their DHS dataset. The multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify significantly associated factors. Variables were extracted from each of the eight country's KR files. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model were used to declare significant factors associated with measles-containing vaccine dose 2 utilization. RESULT: The pooled prevalence of MCV2 utilization in SSA was 44.77% (95% CI: 27.10-62.43%). In the multilevel analysis, mothers aged 25-34 years [AOR = 1.15,95% CI (1.05-1.26), mothers aged 35 years and above [AOR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.14-1.41)], maternal secondary education and above [AOR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.13-1.43)], not big problem to access health facilities [AOR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.12-1.31)], four and above ANC visit [AOR = 2.75, 95% CI (2.35-3.24)], PNC visit [AOR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.04-1.23)], health facility delivery [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (2.04-2.46)], were positively associated with MCV2 utilization. In contrast, multiple twin [AOR = 0.70, 95% CI (0.53-0.95)], rural residence [AOR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.57-0.82)] and high community poverty [AOR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.54-0.80)] were found to be negatively associated with MCV2 utilization. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Measles-containing vaccine doses 2 utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa was relatively low. Individual-level factors and community-level factors were significantly associated with low measles-containing vaccine dose 2 utilization. The MCV2 utilization could be improved through public health intervention by targeting rural residents, children of uneducated mothers, economically poor women, and other significant factors this study revealed.

Hotspots and determinants of women's discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV; evidence from ethiopian demographic and health survey data.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the major public health concern in Ethiopia with more profound effect on women. Discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV (PLWH) impose a significant impact on patient outcomes and related issues. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the hotspot areas and determinant factors of women's discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV. METHODS: An in-depth secondary data analysis was conducted based on Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS) 2016. A total of weighed 13,822 reproductive-age women were included in the analysis. The non-spatial analysis was conducted using Stata 16. A mixed effect multi-level logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinant factors of discriminatory attitude towards PLWH. A p-value < 0.2 and 0.05 were used as a cut-off point to declare statistical significance for the bi- and multi-variable regression models, respectively. Four separate models i.e. the null, individual, community level model, and a fourth combined model were fitted. Model comparison was done using deviance. Random effect parameters such as correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were used to explain the variation between and within clusters. Global and local level spatial analyses were conducted using Global Moran's index, GetisOrd Gi* statistics, and Spatial scan statistics were conducted. RESULTS: The magnitude of women's discriminatory attitude towards PLWH was 62.66% (95%CI: 60.12, 65.10). The discriminatory attitude of women towards PLWH was spatially clustered (Moran's index = 0.41, P < 0.01). The hotspots of discriminatory attitude towards PLWH were detected in most parts of the Tigray region; Northern, and southeast borders of the Amhara region; Addis Ababa city; Central, Southern, and western Oromiya region; and East, south, and northeastern parts of South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). Being rural resident, and having no media exposure were positively associated while better educational statuses, better wealth index, unmarried, having comprehensive HIV knowledge, Orthodox religion fellow, and ever being tested for HIV were negatively associated with women's discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV. CONCLUSION: Discriminatory attitude of women towards PLWH was high in Ethiopia. Hotspots were detected in Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR, Tigray regions, and Addis Ababa city. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, and HIV knowledge-related factors determine the women's discriminatory attitude towards PLWH.

Lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among antenatal care booked women in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: In developing countries, adverse pregnancy outcomes are major public health issues. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the fact that ending prenatal mortality and morbidity is one of the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the burden of the problem continues to be a huge concern in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care (ANC) booked women in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia, between March 2021 and June 2021. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. An interviewer-administered and checklist questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported to Stata version 16 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify an association between associated factors and the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were declared as statistically significant. Results: In this study, the lifetime prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome among study participants was 14.53% (95%CI: 11.61, 18.04). Road access to the health facilities (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.02) and husband-supported pregnancy (AOR = 2.63; 95 CI: 1.46, 4.72) were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: More than one in 10 reproductive age women had adverse pregnancy outcome throughout their life. Road access to health facilities and husband-supported pregnancy were statistically significant factors for adverse events in pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to give more attention to expanding infrastructure like road accessibility and increasing husband-supported pregnancy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

More Than Three-Fourths of AstraZeneca (ChAdox1 COV-19) COVID-19 Vaccinated Individuals Develop Post Immunization Adverse Event in Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Ethiopia was using the ChAdOx1 COV-19 vaccine, and health professionals were targets of the first phase of the vaccination strategy. Evidence on the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) was barely available. The study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of adverse events following ChAdOx1 COV-19 immunization among health professionals of the University of Gondar Specialized and Comprehensive Hospital, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals of the University of Gondar Comprehensive and specialized referral hospital. All health professionals who took the ChAdOx1 COV-19 vaccine in the 1st phase were surveyed. A total of 314 health professionals who took the ChAdOx1 COV-19 vaccine were included. The EpiData version 4.6.0.0 and Stata 16 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. A binary logistic regression was used to identify statistically significant factors associated with AEFI. Chi-square and multicollinearity assumptions were tested. A p-value <0.2 and 0.05 were used as cut-off values of significance in the bi- and multivariable logistic regression models, respectively. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported for statistically significant variables. Results: Among 314 study participants, 263 of them had at least one mild to severe AEFI of ChAdOx1 COV-19 with a prevalence of AEFI of 83.76% (95% CI: 79.23, 87.46). The commonest AEFI observed were injection site tenderness (n=198/263), fatigue (114/263), headache (n=107/263), and muscle pain (n=85/263). Females (AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.15, 6.58), and participants who felt the vaccine was unsafe (AOR=2.84, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.85) were having nearly three times more odds of AEFI immunization as compared to males and those who felt the vaccine was safe, respectively. Conclusion: Adverse event following immunization has been a public health problem in Northwest Ethiopia. Being female and having a feeling that the vaccine is unsafe were statistically significantly associated with AEFI.

Alcohol drinking delays the rate of sputum smear conversion among DR-TB patients in northwest Ethiopia; A retrospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Sputum smear microscopy is simple and feasible technique to assess the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the respiratory tract of patients with Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (DR-TB). Conversion of sputum smear from positive to negative is considered as an interim indicator of efficacy of anti-tubercular treatment and the program effectiveness. Although evidences regarding the factors affecting the sputum smear conversion are available on drug susceptible TB patients, there is dearth of literature about smear conversion and its predictors among DR-TB patients in the study setting. Hence, shortening the time to sputum smear conversion is desirable to reduce the likelihood of mycobacterial transmission. This study has therefore aimed at estimating the median time of sputum smear conversion and to determine its predictors. METHODS: This was a retrospective follow-up study conducted among DR-TB patients registered for second-line anti-TB treatment in the four hospitals of Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia. Of all patients enrolled to DR-TB treatment in the study setting from 2010 to 2017, 436 patients have been include for this study who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The cox proportional hazard model was fitted and the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance of the variables associated with the smear conversion. RESULTS: From the 436 patients with sputum smear positive at baseline, 351 (80.5%) converted sputum smear at a median time of 48 (IQR: 30-78) days. The median time of smear conversion was 59 (95% CI: 42, 74) and 44 (95% CI: 37, 54) days among patients who had and had no history of alcohol drinking, respectively. Similarly, the median time to smear conversion was 61 (95% CI: 36, 73) days among patients with comorbid conditions and 44 (95% CI: 38, 54) days among patients with no comorbid conditions. In the multi-variable analysis, only history of alcohol consumption [AHR = 0.66 (0.50, 0.87)] was found to delay significantly the rate of sputum smear conversion. CONCLUSION: In our study, the median time of sputum smear conversion was with in the expected time frame of conversion. History of alcohol consumption was found to delay significantly the rate of sputum smear conversion. The DR-TB patients are strongly advised to avoid alcohol consumption.

Spatial patterns and determinants of undernutrition among late-adolescent girls in Ethiopia by using Ethiopian demographic and health surveys, 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2016: a spatial and multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition among late-adolescent girls (15-19 years) in Ethiopia is the highest among Southern and Eastern African countries. However, the spatial variation of undernutrition as a national context is not well understood in Ethiopia. This study aimed at the spatial patterns and determinants of undernutrition among late-adolescent girls in Ethiopia. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted from women's data of four consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) from 2000 to 2016. A total of 12,056 late-adolescent girls were included in this study. The global spatial autocorrelation was assessed using the Global Moran's I autocorrelation to evaluate the presence of geographical clustering and variability of undernutrition. SaTScan cluster analysis by using the Bernoulli model to detect most likely SaTScan cluster areas of significant high-rate and low-rate of undernutrition was explored. A Multilevel binary logistic regression model with cluster-level random effects was fitted to determine factors associated with undernutrition among late-adolescent girls in Ethiopia. RESULTS: Undernutrition was clustered nationally during each survey (Global Moran's I = 0.009-0.045, Z-score = 5.55-27.24, p-value < 0.001). In the final model, individual and community level factors accounted for about 31.02% of the regional variations for undernutrition. The odds of undernutrition among 18-19 years of adolescent girls, was 57% (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: (0.35-0.53) lower than those 15-17 years old. Late-adolescent girls with higher educational status were 4.40 times (AOR = 4.40; 95% CI: (1.64-11.76) more likely to be undernourished than those with no educational status. The odds of undernutrition among late-adolescent girls, with the occupation of sales, was 40% (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43-0.84) lower than those with not working adolescents. The odds of undernutrition, among late-adolescent girls, having an unimproved latrine type, was 1.79 times (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.15-2.79) higher than those participants with improved latrine type. The odds of undernutrition among late-adolescent girls with rural residents was 2.33 times higher (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.29-4.22) than those with urban residents. CONCLUSION: Undernutrition among late-adolescent girls was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. The local significant clusters with high prevalence of undernutrition was observed in Northern and Eastern Ethiopia. Those regions with a high prevalence of undernutrition should design interventions to combat undernutrition.

Correction: Adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures and its associated factors among Gondar City residents: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244265.].

Khat Chewing and Clinical Conditions Determine the Epidemiology of Primary Drug Resistance Tuberculosis in Amhara Region of Ethiopia: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Rifampicin and/or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) remains an uncontrolled public health emergency that has been synergized by the recently increased person-to-person transmission in the community as primary RR/MDR-TB, which is defined as RR/MDR-TB in new TB patients with no prior exposure to anti-TB treatment for more than one month. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and associated factors of primary drug-resistance among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients, as evidenced by the Amhara region treatment initiating centers. METHODS: An institutional-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2010 to December 2017, among 580 RR/MDR-TB patients on the second-line anti-TB drug in the Amhara regional state. Data were collected from patient charts and registration books using a standardized data abstraction sheet. The data were entered using Epi-data 4.2.0.0 and transferred to Stata 14 software for further data management and analysis. A bivariable and multivariable binary logistic model was run subsequently, and finally, a p-value of less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare the significance of the explanatory variable. RESULTS: The magnitude of primary drug resistance among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients was 15.69% (95% CI: 12.94, 18.89). Alcohol drinking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.82), khat chewing (AOR = 4.43; 95% CI: 1.67-11.76), ambulatory and bedridden functional status (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24-0.76) and (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19-0.91), respectively, positive sputum smear result (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26-0.90), and HIV coinfection (AOR= 2.31; 95% CI: 1.31-4.06) remained statistically significant associated factors of primary RR/MDR-TB. CONCLUSION: Primary drug resistance is a public health problem in the study setting. Different behavioral and clinical conditions were significant factors of primary drug-resistant development. Mitigation strategies targeted on the patient's clinical condition, substance-related behaviors, and universal DST coverage might be very important for early detection and treatment of RR/MDR-TB to prevent community-level transmission.

Geographic variation and associated factors of long-acting contraceptive use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: a multi-level and spatial analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data.

BACKGROUND: High fertility rates and unintended pregnancies are public health concerns of lower and middle income countries such as Ethiopia. Long acting contraceptives (LACs) take the lion's share in reducing unintended pregnancies and high fertility rates. Despite their numerous advantages, the utilization of LACs remains low in Ethiopia. This study is aimed to explore the geographic variation and associated factors of long acting contraceptive use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total of weighted sample sizes of 10,439 reproductive-age women were included in the final analysis. To clean and analyze the none-spatial data Stata 14 was used while ArcGIS 10.6 and SaTScanTM version 9.6 software were used for spatial analysis. Multilevel Mixed-effect Logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors of LACs utilization. An Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to identify significant variables. RESULTS: Long acting contraceptive utilization was non-random (Moran's I: 0.30, p-value < 0.01). Statistically, clusters with significant low utilization of LACs were found in Somali, Afar, Gambela, northern Amhara, eastern Oromia and western part of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) regions. Adjusting for other factors such as being married (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.29-4.87), having one to two (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.43-3.22), and three to four children (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02-2.76), urban (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.19), want no more children (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08-1.83), working status of women (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07-1.65) increased the odds of LACs utilization. While previous history of abortion (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39-0.80), and living in the pastoralist community (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.14-0.35) reduced the odds of LACs utilization in Ethiopia CONCLUSIONS: Significant geographic variation of LACs utilization was observed in Ethiopia. Spots with Low LACs utilization were found in the eastern, north eastern and western part of the country. Socio-demographic and pregnancy related factors were significant determinants of LACs utilization. Designing intervention programs targeting the identified hot spot clusters, and variables that can hinder the utilization of LACs is very important to increase the utilization.

Lower and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia face a challenge of an ever increasing population with high maternal mortality. In Ethiopia, the population is estimated to be more than 110 million. High fertility rates, unintended pregnancy, maternal and child mortalities are the main concerns of the country. Accordingly, it is required of the country to make a robust intervention to limit these public concerns. In relation to this, LACs utilization happens to be one of the solutions to solving the concerns. Despite their efficacy, availability, and acceptability the utilization of LACs remains low and varies among different geographic areas. However, the reason is still undefined and geographic variation was not assessed before.In our study, we analyze the Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016 data to assess the presence of significant geographic variation and associated factors of long-acting contraceptive utilization. Hence, a spatial and multilevel analysis were employed to assess the geographic variation and associated factors of LACs utilization in Ethiopia.A statistically significant geographic variation was observed among different clusters. Clusters with significantly low utilization of LACs were found in the pastoralist (Afar, Gambela, and Somalia) regions of the country. Thus, more organized efforts need to be made to increase the utilization of LACs. Controlling for others: Marital statuses, occupation, future pregnancy interest, urban residence, previous history of abortion, living in the pastoralist community were statistically significant determinant factors of LACs utilization.In conclusion, significant geographic variation of LACs utilization was observed among different clusters. Besides, different socio-demographic, pregnancy, and child health-related variables were significant determinants of LACs utilization.

Knowledge and attitude of the communities towards COVID-19 and associated factors among Gondar City residents, northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is the novel coronavirus responsible for the ongoing global outbreak of acute respiratory disease and viral pneumonia. In order to tackle the devastating condition of the virus, countries need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics. Thus, to strengthen the COVID-19 mitigation measures and to give rapid response, there is an urgent need to understand the public's knowledge and attitude about of the pandemic at this critical moment. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of communities about COVID-19 and associated factors among Gondar City residents. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was done among 623 respondents in Gondar city from April 20-27/2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from different literatures. The data were entered using Epi data version 3.1 and then exported into STATA version 14 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p value less than 0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall knowledge and attitude of the community towards COVID19 was 51.85% [95% CI (47.91%-55.78%)] and 53.13% [95% CI (49.20, 57.06%)], respectively. In this study, being married [AOR = 0.60 at 95% CI: (0.42, 0.86)], educational level; primary [AOR = 3.14 at 95% CI: (1.78,5.54)], secondary [AOR = 2.81 at 95% CI: (1.70,4.63)], college and above [AOR = 4.49 at 95% CI: 7.92, 13.98)], and family size [AOR = 1.80, at 95% CI: (1.05, 3.08)] were emerged as statistically significant factors impacting the knowledge of the community about COVID-19. Besides, educational level; primary [AOR = 1.76 at 95% CI: (1.03, 3.01)], secondary [AOR = 1.69 at 95% CI: (1.07, 2.68)], and college & above [AOR = 2.38 at 95% CI: (1.50, 3.79)], and family size; four to six members [AOR = 1.84 at 95% CI (1.27, 2.67)], above seven members [AOR = 1.79 at 95% CI (1.08, 2.96)] were factors identified as significantly attribute for positive attitude of the communities towards COVID-19. CONCLUSION: More than half of the respondents had better knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19. Higher educational level and larger family size were significant factors predominantly affecting the knowledge and attitude of the communities towards COVID-19.

Sputum smear grading and associated factors among bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The sputum smear bacilliary load is a fundamental indicator of the level of infectiousness in DR-TB patients. However, evidence on DR-TB sputum smear grading and its factors in the study setting is limited. This study was aimed to determine the level of sputum smear grading and associated factors among DR-TB patients in Ethiopia. METHODS: This was an institution based cross-sectional study on 520 bacteriological confirmed pulmonary DR-TB patients from September 2010 to December 2017 in the northwest Ethiopia. Epidata 4.2.00 and SPSS 20 were used for data entry and management, respectively. Ordinary logistic regression was fitted. A cut of p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable ordinary logistic regression was considered to declare statistically significant variables. RESULTS: Of all 520 bacteriological confirmed pulmonary DR-TB patients; 34.42% had 3+, 15.77% had 2+, 18.27% had 1+, 15.19% had scanty, and 16.35% had negative sputum smear grading results. The odds of having higher sputum smear grades were significantly associated with the patient's educational status of secondary (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.43, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.21, 0.89), body mass index of 16 to 18.49 kg/m2 (AOR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.84), and TB treatment history of two and more times (AOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.55). CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of the bacteriological confirmed pulmonary DR-TB patients in the study setting was highly infectious with the highest bacillary load. The odds of having a high bacillary load were significantly associated with the patient's TB treatment history, nutritional, and educational status.

Households access to improved drinking water sources and toilet facilities in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess households access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities and their associated factors in Ethiopia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Household heads. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Access to improved drinking water sources and toilet facilities. METHODS: We conducted an in-depth secondary data analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Data from a total of 16 650 households and 645 clusters were included in the analysis. The households were selected using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with access to an improved drinking water source and toilet facilities. Adjusted OR with a 95% CI was reported with p value <0.05 was used to declare a significant association between the covariates and the outcome variables. RESULTS: The proportions of households' access to improved sources of drinking water and toilet facilities were 69.94% (95% CI: 69.23% to 70.63%) and 25.36% (95% CI: 24.69% to 26.03%), respectively. Households headed by women and households with a better wealth index were positively associated with access to improved drinking water sources. Whereas rural households, ≥30 min round trip to obtain drinking water and region were factors negatively associated with households access to improved drinking water sources. A higher probability of having access to improved toilet facilities: households with heads who had attained higher education, households having better access to improved sources of drinking water and households with better wealth index. While the following households were less likely to have access to improved toilet facilities: households with heads were widowed, households with four to six members, rural households and region. CONCLUSION: The study found that the proportions of households' access to improved drinking water sources and toilet facilities in Ethiopia were relatively low, which demands the need to tailor strategies to increase the coverage of access to improved drinking water sources and toilet facilities.

Comparing the impact of genotypic based diagnostic algorithm on time to treatment initiation and treatment outcomes among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: To end Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, early detection and timely treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is vital. The role of rapid, accurate, and sensitive DR-TB diagnostic tool is indispensable to accelerate the TB control program. There are evidence breaks in the time difference and its effect on treatment outcomes among different DR-TB diagnostic tools in Ethiopia. This article aimed to compare the different DR-TB diagnostic tools with time pointers and evaluate their effect on the treatment outcomes. METHOD: We performed a retrospective chart review of 574 DR-TB patients from September 2010 to December 2017 to compare the impact of molecular DR-TB diagnostic tests (Xpert MTB/RIF, Line Probe Assay (LPA), and solid culture-based Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST)) on time to diagnosis, treatment initiation, and treatment Outcomes. Kruskual-Wallis test was employed to assess the presence of a significant difference in median time among the DR-TB diagnostic tests. Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests were used to test the presence of relations between treatment outcome and diagnostic tests. RESULT: The data of 574 DR-TB patients were included in the analysis. From these, 321, 173, and 80 patients were diagnosed using Xpert MTB/RIF, Line Probe Assay (LPA), and solid culture-based DST, respectively. The median time in a day with (Interquartile range (IQR)) for Xpert MTB/RIF, LPA, and solid culture-based DST was from a first care-seeking visit to diagnosis: 2(0, 9), 4(1, 55), and 70(18, 182), from diagnosis to treatment initiation: 3(1, 8), 33(4, 76), and 44(9, 145), and from a first care-seeking visit to treatment initiation: 4(1, 11), 3(1, 12) and 76(3.75, 191) respectively. The shorter median time was observed in the Xpert MTB/RIF followed by the LPA, and this was statistically significant with a p-value <0.001. There was no statistically significant difference concerning treatment outcomes among the three DST tests. CONCLUSION: Xpert MTB/RIF can mitigate the transmission of DR-TB significantly via quick diagnosis and treatment initiation followed by LPA as equating to the solid culture base DST, particularly in smear-positive patients. However, we didn't see a statistically significant impact in terms of treatment outcomes. Xpert MTB/RIF can be used as the first test to diagnose DR-TB by further complimenting solid culture base DST to grasp the drug-resistance profile.

Adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures and its associated factors among Gondar City residents: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Considering its pandemicity and absence of effective treatment, authorities across the globe have designed various mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although adherence towards preventive measures is the only means to tackle the virus, reluctance to do so has been reported to be a major problem everywhere. Thus, this study aimed to assess the community's adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation strategies and its associated factors among Gondar City residents, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 respondents from April 20-27, 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures was 51.04% (95%CI: 47.11, 54.96). Female respondents [AOR: 2.39; 95%CI (1.66, 3.45)], receiving adequate information about COVID-19 [AOR: 1.58; 95%CI (1.03, 2.43)], and favorable attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures were significantly associated with good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Whereas, those respondents who had high risk perception of COVID-19 were less likely to adhere towards COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)]. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have indicated that nearly half of the study participants had poor adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Sex, level of information exposure, attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures, and risk perception of COVID-19 were factors which significantly influenced the adherence of the community towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Therefore, it is crucial to track adherence responses towards the COVID-19 preventive measures, scale up the community's awareness of COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies through appropriate information outlets, mainstream media, and rely on updating information from TV, radio, and health care workers about COVID-19.

Community Level of COVID-19 Information Exposure and Influencing Factors in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infection, and the crisis has become a worldwide issue, and society has become concerned in various aspects. Good information exposure related to transmission, prevention, and risk factors of COVID-19 can be the best means to reduce the risk of disease exposure and mitigate further spread. The countries that have well practiced this strategy (society information exposure) were controlling disease progression, but there is a low practice in sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the information exposure level about COVID-19 and influencing factors among northwest community of Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among the community of Gondar city from April 20 to 27, 2020. A total of 623 study participants were involved in this interview, and a systematic sampling technique was applied to select the households. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with good information exposure about COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value <0.05 was a cut-off point to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall rate of information exposure about COVID-19 was 44.9%. Age 18-26 years [AOR=0.53; 95% CI (0.28-0.99)] and 34-45 years [AOR=0.44; 95% CI (0.24-0.80)], elementary school [AOR=2.48; 95% CI (1.20-5.15)], secondary school [AOR=3.98; 95% CI (1.99-7.99)], college and above [AOR=8.38; 95% CI (4.10-17.26)], browsed or follow social media [AOR=2.21; 95% CI (1.44-3.38)] and those having a discussion with their family members [AOR=2.37; 95% CI (1.44-3.90)] and friends [AOR=2.15; 95% CI (1.38-3.34)] were the factors significantly associated with good information exposure towards COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Communities total level of good information exposure from different information platforms about COVID-19 in this study area remains low. Age, high level of education, browsing social media, and those having interpersonal (family and friends) discussion were the factors that significantly influence communities who have good information exposure related to COVID-19. Therefore, efforts on community mobilization through regional/national mass media and other information conveying platforms are recommended.

Community's perceived high risk of coronavirus infections during early phase of epidemics are significantly influenced by socio-demographic background, in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional -study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies during the early phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics reported different level of people's risk perception in different countries. There is a paucity of data on perceived high risk of COVID-19 and associated factors in Ethiopia. We sought to assess the prevalence of community's perceived high risk about COVID-19 infections and associated factors among Gondar town community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 20 to 27, 2020 in Gondar town community, Northwest Ethiopia. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit 635 participants. Structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to summarize the results. RESULTS: A total of 623 participants were considered in the analysis with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of coronavirus high risk perceptions of the respondents was found to be 23.11% (95% CI; 19.80%-26.43%). Age above 45 years (AOR = 1.41, 95%CI; 1.19-2.66), college and above educational level (AOR = 0.28, 95%CI; 0.21-0.98), and poor knowledge towards COVID-19 virus (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI; 1.09-2.23) were significantly associated with perceived high risk about COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of perceived high risk of COVID-19 was found to be low. Factors such as age, educational status, and knowledge about COVID-19 virus were found to be independent predictors of perceived high risk towards COVID-19. Government and non-government organizations should use formal and informal means of educating the community.

Treatment interruption and associated factors among patients registered on drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia: 2010-2017.

BACKGROUND: Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a rising threat of the TB control program caused mainly by treatment interruption in Ethiopia. The success of the current treatment regimen for DR-TB is poor partly due to a high treatment interruption rate. Thus, this study assessed treatment interruption and associated factors among DR-TB patients. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 DR-TB patients who have initiated treatment from September 2010 to December 2017. Data were entered using Epi Data version 4.200 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A bi-variable logistic regression model was first fitted, and variables having a p-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. Crude and Adjusted Odds Ratios (COR and AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of association between the treatment interruption and independent variables. Variables with p-value <0.05 in the multi-variable model were considered as statistically significant predictors of treatment interruption. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of treatment interruption among patients registered on DR-TB treatment was 14.55% (95% CI: 11.83, 17.76). Of the interrupters, the treatment interruption during the intensive and continuation phase of treatment was reported as 45% and 71.25%, respectively. Similarly, about 15% of patients had treatment interruption both during the intensive and continuation phase of treatment. The average duration of treatment interruption was 12 (±2.03 SD) and 6 (±1.2 SD) days during the intensive and continuation phase of treatment, respectively. Patients who had no treatment supporter [AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.23-3.66] and developed adverse drug events [AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.22-2.85] were statistically significant predictors of treatment interruption. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment interruption was low in the study setting. The presence of treatment supporter and absence of drug side effects was significantly associated with decreased occurrence of treatment interruption. Thus, patient linkage to treatment supporter and excellent pharmacovigilance are highly recommended in the study setting.

High dropout rate from maternity continuum of care after antenatal care booking and its associated factors among reproductive age women in Ethiopia, Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey 2016.

BACKGROUND: Maternal continuums of care were vital to reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities. While the dropout rate remains high and limited studies were found on risk factors associated with a high dropout rate of the maternal continuum of care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of dropout rate and its associated factors of maternity continuum of care in Ethiopia, 2016. METHODS: An in-depth secondary data analysis was conducted from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total of 4,693 women who were booked for antenatal care visit were included to the final analysis. A community-based cross-sectional study design and a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire were used to collect the survey data. Data were weighted using women data weighting variables. Chi-square and multicollinearity assumptions were checked for independent variables. Bi-variable and multivariable logistics regression used to identify associated factors with a cut of the p-value of 0.2 and 0.05 respectively. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95%CI was reported for the final model. RESULTS: Of the total 4,693 women who were booked for antenatal care visits, 2,092(44.58%), 2,183 (46.52%), and 4,086(87.07%) dropped from a recommended number of ANC, Institutional delivery and postnatal care visit respectively. Only 308 (6.56%, 95%CI: 5.89, 7.31) women used all the complete continuum of care. Not married, and poorest wealth index were significantly associated with dropout from ANC visit. Being a protestant religious follower was significantly associated with dropout from PNC after antenatal care booking. While not exposed to media, distance from health facility as a big problem, protestant affiliation, parity of 2 to 4 and above4, Wealth index of the poorest, poorer, middle, and richer significantly associated with dropout from institutional delivery. Not being informed about pregnancy complications during their ANC visit was significantly associated with dropout from ANC, PNC, and institutional delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Dropout of women from the maternity continuum of care after antenatal care booking was a public health problem in Ethiopia. Socio-demographic, pregnancy, and health service-related factors were significant determinants of dropout from the maternity continuum of care. Improving the family wealth index, increasing access to health facilities, media exposure, and giving more information during the antenatal care visit is important to reduce the dropout rate from the maternity continuum of care.