Actual practices of community pharmacists in the management of diabetes: a comparison of simulated patient-based study with perceived role of involvement.

Objectives: This study evaluated the level of community pharmacy professionals' (CPPs) actual practices and contrasted it with their self-reported perceived involvement in diabetes management. Methods: A self-reported cross-sectional and simulated patient (SP)-based study were employed at community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in Northwest Ethiopia. SP-case scenarios were used to examine the actual practices of CPPs in diabetes management and were compared with self-reported perceived involvement. The data were managed and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: About 184 participants in the self-reported and 100 CPPs' actual practices using three SP visits were included. The overall actual practice (17.8%) was found to be significantly different compared with the perceived level of involvement (73.5%) (p-value <0.05). About 94.3% of CPPs dispensed requested medications to the SP without a prescription. Despite most participants being perceived to be involved, more than 76% of CPPs did not counsel the SP for lifestyle modifications, avoiding risky behaviours, adherence to treatment, routine blood glucose checkups, diabetic foot care techniques, or consultation with physicians for further management. Conclusion: A significant discrepancy between actual practices and perceived CPPs' involvement in the management of diabetes was observed. The findings may suggest that exploring possible gaps may be crucial.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among internally displaced persons in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Internally displaced people (IDPs), uprooted by conflict, violence, or disaster, struggle with the trauma of violence, loss, and displacement, making them significantly more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PTSD among IDPs in Africa. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2008 and 2023. The search included electronic databases such as PubMed, CABI, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINHAL, and AJOL, as well as other search sources. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI quality appraisal tool. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. The protocol for this review has been registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023428027). RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with a total of 7,590 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of PTSD among IDPs in Africa was 51% (95% CI: 38.-64). Female gender (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.65-2.32), no longer married (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.43-2.43), unemployment (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17-2.67), being injured (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.50-1.50), number of traumatic events experienced [4-7(OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16-3.01), 8-11 (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 2.18-4.12), 12-16 (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.61-8.12)], illness without medical care (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.41-2.29), being depressed (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.07-3.86), and frequency of displacement more than once (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.41-2.85) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the alarming prevalence of PTSD among IDPs in Africa. Female gender, marital status, number of traumatic events, ill health without medical care, depression, and frequency of displacement were identified as significant risk factors for PTSD. Effective interventions and the development of tailored mental health programs are needed to prevent PTSD among IDPs, focusing on the identified risk factors.

Handwashing Practices among Public Primary School Students in East Dembiya District, Ethiopia.

Poor water sanitation and hygiene is a public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries, including Ethiopia, and remains an important public health issue among primary school students. Students have been repeatedly exposed to various communicable diseases associated with water sanitation and hygiene. The objective of this study was to assess predictors of handwashing practice among second-cycle public primary school students in East Dembiya District, northwestern Ethiopia, 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 752 second-cycle primary school students. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklists adopted and modified from different sources of literature. The data were checked further by visualizing and computing rates with the SPSS version 26 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors. The prevalence of washing practices among second-cycle primary school students was 57.6% (95% CI 53.90-61.10). Residency (urban) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30-2.87), access to media (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.11-2.49), hygiene and sanitation club membership (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.26-2.80), good knowledge about handwashing (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 2.34-6.60), and a positive attitude toward handwashing (aOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.01-5.584) were predictors of handwashing practice among second-cycle primary school students. This study showed that handwashing practice among primary school students was low. Availing handwashing facilities, better media access, formation of a hygiene and sanitation club in the school, celebration of "Handwashing Day" with students, and leading behavior change communication are all important for improving students' handwashing practice.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia. METHODS: A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Magnitude and determinant of healthcare-seeking behavior for childhood acute respiratory tract infections in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a major public health concern which become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children under the age of five. A large percentage of childhood deaths and complications can be avoided by seeking proper medical care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude, and individual and community-level determinants of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior for their children under the age of five who had ARI symptoms in Ethiopia. METHOD: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys(EDHS) with a total weighted sample of 643 under-five children who had ARI symptoms within two weeks of the survey. Due to the hierarchical nature of the EDHS data, a multi-level logistic regression model was used to identify the individual and community-level factors influencing mothers' health care-seeking behavior for their children with ARI symptoms. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, those variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant predictors of the outcome variable. RESULTS: Healthcare-seeking behavior among mothers or caregivers for children with symptoms of ARIs was 32.61% (95% CI: 29.08-36.33%) in Ethiopia. The ICC in the null model indicated that about 55% of the total variability of treatment-seeking behavior was due to differences between clusters. Child aged > 24 months [AOR = 0.35; 0.19-0.63], having primary education [AOR = 3.25; 1.27-8.32], being media exposed [AOR = 2.49; 1.15, 5.38], female household head[AOR = 3.90; 1.35, 11.24], and delivery at health institution[AOR = 2.24; 1.00, 5.01] were significant predictors of health care seeking behavior of mother for their children with ARI symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is poor treatment-seeking behavior for children with symptoms of ARI in Ethiopia with significant community level variations. The multilevel logistic regression analysis showed that improving mothers' education, women's empowerment, facilitating institutional delivery and media accessibility are critical to promoting health-seeking behaviors among mothers or caregivers of under-five children with ARI symptoms. Hence, concerned bodies should design targeted interventions that increase mothers' or caregivers' treatment-seeking behavior for childhood ARI to reduce child morbidity and mortality.

Work-related burnout among public secondary school teachers is significantly influenced by the psychosocial work factors: a cross-sectional study from Ethiopia.

Introduction: Work-related burnout (WRB) is the degree of physical and psychological fatigue and exhaustion perceived by individuals as related to their work. Even though the condition is widespread across various occupations, teachers inevitably experience high levels of burnout in their work, which can have long-term effects on their health and well-being. However, in developing countries such as Ethiopia, the lack of reliable data on psychosocial hazards, including work-related burnout, often encumbers officials from planning preventive measures. This study investigated the prevalence and contributing factors of work-related burnout among public secondary school teachers in Gondar City, northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2022. A sample of 588 teachers was recruited using simple random sampling. Work-related burnout was assessed using a standardized seven-item Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with work-related burnout. Results: The overall response rate was 94.05% (N = 553). The majority of participants, 356 (64.4%), were male. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 38.74 (±7.65) years. This study demonstrated that the prevalence of work-related burnout among school teachers in the past 12 months was 37.4% (n = 207). High job demands, job stress, job dissatisfaction, low role clarity, and student demotivation were found to be the psychosocial work factors that significantly influenced the prevalence of work-related burnout among school teachers. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of work-related burnout among public secondary school teachers. Psychosocial work factors such as job demands, job stress, job satisfaction, role clarity, and student demotivation were significant factors influencing work-related burnout. To reduce the condition, it is recommended to take measures to cope with high job demands, improve stress management skills, promote job satisfaction strategies, clarify teachers' responsibilities, and use effective teaching practices to motivate students. In general, addressing psychosocial work factors needs to be central to efforts to prevent teacher burnout.

Unimproved source of drinking water and its associated factors: a spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Drinking water quality has been a major public health concern in lower and middle income countries where access to improved water supplies is limited. Ethiopia is thought to have one of the worst drinking water infrastructures in the world. This study aimed to assess the spatial variation and determinants of using unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia using recent nationally representative data. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was employed with the recent EDHS data of 2019. A total of 8663 households were sampled using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. Kuldorff's SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to generate spatial scan statistics. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize the spatial patterns of unimproved drinking water sources. A multilevel multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the use of an unimproved drinking water source. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, those variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant predictors of using an unimproved source of drinking water. RESULT: Around 31% (95% CI: 30%, 32%) of the population in Ethiopia uses unimproved sources of drinking water with significant spatial variation across the country. Households aged 41-60 [AOR = 0.69; 95%CI; 0.53, 0.89] as compared to the households aged 10-25, households having middle wealth index [AOR = 0.48; 95%CI; 0.40, 0.59], and households having a rich wealth index [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI; 0.25, 0.39] as compared to the poor households, living in high community literacy level [AOR = 0.36; 95%CI; 0.16, 0.80], living in high-level community poverty [AOR = 3.03; 95%CI; 1.32, 6.98], rural residence [AOR = 7.88; 95%CI; 2.74, 22.67] were significant predictors of use of unimproved source of drinking water. Hot spot areas of use of unimproved drinking water sources were observed in Amhara, Afar, and Somalia regions and some parts of SNNPR and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. The primary clusters were found in Ethiopia's Somalia and Oromia regions. CONCLUSION: Around one third of the Ethiopian population utilizes unimproved source of drinking water and it was distributed non-randomly across regions of Ethiopia. The age of the household head, wealth status of the household, residence, community poverty level, and community literacy level were found to be significantly associated with utilizing unimproved drinking water source. State authorities, non-governmental organizations and local health administrators should work to improve the quality of drinking water particularly for high risk groups such as communities living in high poverty and low literacy, poor households, rural residents, and hot spot areas to decrease the adverse consequences of using unimproved drinking water source.

Food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice of street food vendors and associated factors in low-and middle-income countries: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Access to safe food is considered a basic human right, but food-borne disease presents a significant public health concern globally. The problem is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the rise in urbanization and the popularity of street food in low- and middle-income countries, understanding the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of street food vendors is crucial to ensuring food safety. Therefore, this review was aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of KAP of street food vendors toward food safety and its associated factors in low- and middle-income countries. A comprehensive search of published studies before January 30, 2023, was identified using databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, Science Direct, and African Journals Online, as well as other sources. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 14/SE software. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's quality appraisal tool. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of KAP of street food vendors toward food safety and associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis was also conducted. In this study, fourteen eligible studies with a total of 2,989 study populations were included. The pooled proportions of good knowledge 62% (95% CI: 51-73), positive attitude 66% (95% CI: 47-86), and good practice 51% (95% CI: 36-65) toward food safety were found among street food vendors. Being of secondary school education (OR = 5.95, 95% CI: 4.05-7.85), having training in food safety (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 2.62-6.67), having a higher monthly income (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.06-4.9), and having good knowledge of food handling (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.17-3.16) were found to be associated factors in the food safety practice of street food vendors. Based on the findings of this study, there was a significant gap in the KAP of street food vendors toward food safety. Therefore, the provision of training and strengthening health education about food safety are invaluable strategies for improving food safety.

Effect of antenatal care on low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis in Africa, 2022.

Background: Risk identification, as well as the prevention and management of diseases associated with pregnancy or other conditions that may occur concurrently, is the essential component of ANC. Method: The observational follow-up and cross-sectional studies on the effect of antenatal care on low birth weight in Africa were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five computerized bibliographic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Hinari Direct were searched for published studies written in English till May 2022. The risk of bias assessment tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for cross-sectional and observational follow-up research was used, and the caliber of each included study was assessed. Seven papers were included, with a total of 66,690 children participating in the study. Results: Seven studies met the selection criteria. Prenatal care and low birth weight were linked in four of the seven studies included in the review. The pooled odd ratio for low birth weight in the random-effects model was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.53). The pooled odds ratio for low birth weight was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.22) and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.22), respectively, among pregnant women who had no antenatal care follow-up and those who had antenatal care follow up. Conclusion: Women who attended at least one antenatal care appointment were more likely than their counterparts to have a baby of normal weight. Interventions to reduce low birth weight in Africa should focus on providing adequate antenatal care and quality healthcare services to women with low socioeconomic status.

Infection Prevention and Control Practices and Associated Factors Among Healthcare Cleaners in Gondar City: An Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Ethiopia.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections are a global health problem and are more prevalent in developing countries such as Ethiopia, but there is a paucity of research on the infection prevention practices of cleaning staff. Therefore, this study aimed to assess infection prevention and control practices and associated factors among cleaners working in healthcare facilities in Gondar City, Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare cleaning staff from May to June 2022. A total of 428 cleaners took part in the survey. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using Stata version 14 software. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at <0.05 p-value and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the 390 study participants included, 294 (75.1%) were female. Of the surveyed participants, 186 (47.7%) had good knowledge of infection prevention and control practices. This study revealed that out of the 390 healthcare cleaners, 204 (52.3%) had good infection prevention and control practices with 52.3% [95% CI (47.2, 56.4)]. Good knowledge of infection prevention and control [AOR: 1.56, 95% CI (1.03, 2.37)] and the availability of infection prevention and control guidelines in the workplace [AOR: 1.54, 95% CI (1.01, 2.33)] were significant factors associated with infection prevention and control practice. Conclusion: The present study found that almost half of the healthcare cleaners had poor IPC practices. The finding underlines the importance of good IPC knowledge and the accessibility of IPC guidelines to improve IPC practices among healthcare cleaning staff. The findings of this study also highlight that behavioral change interventions and paying attention, particularly to nonclinical staff such as cleaners in health care settings, are critical to reducing infection in health care settings.

Perceived occupational stress and associated factors among primary school teachers in the second wave of COVID-19 in Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

Background: Occupational stress (OS) is a psychological state that results from people's perceptions of an imbalance between job demands and their abilities to cope with those demands. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the teaching and learning process and compounded the stress level among teachers due to fear of transmission of the virus and school closures or the difficulty with adherence to the COVOD-19 prevention protocol. This survey study therefore aimed to investigate the prevalence of occupational stress and its associated factors among primary school teachers during the second wave of COVID-19 in western Ethiopia. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was employed from April to May 2021. The survey was conducted in Gimbi town among all 672 primary school teachers in western Ethiopia. The standardized Teacher Occupational Stress Scale was used to measure occupational stress in the past 4 months. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using Stata version 14 software. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with occupational stress. The statistical significance was considered at a value of p of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) to evaluate the strength of associations. Results: The response rate was 96.8% (N = 651). The majority, 389 (59.8%) of the study participants were males. The mean (±SD) age was 35.8 (±9.3) years. The prevalence of occupational stress in the second wave of COVID-19 in the past 4 months was 50.1% (n = 326) [95% CI (46.1, 53.9)]. Job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.06, 95% CI (1.43-2.97)] and high-risk perception of COVID-19 infection [AOR: 2.20; 95% CI (1.46-3.31)] were significantly associated with occupational stress. Conclusion: This survey disclosed a high prevalence of occupational stress among primary school teachers during the second wave of COVID-19. Job dissatisfaction and a high-risk perception of COVID-19 infection were significant predictors of the occurrence of occupational stress in school teachers. Enhancing stress management skills and focusing on primary prevention of identified risk factors were advised to curtail the condition.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of low back pain and its associated factors among school teachers in Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is a key social, economic, and public health problem in the world. The impact of LBP is given less priority and is empirically unrepresented in low- and middle-income countries as a result of the focus on more pressing and life-threatening health issues, including infectious diseases. In Africa, the prevalence of LBP is irregular and increasing among schoolteachers on account of teaching activities performed under suboptimal working conditions. Therefore, the objective of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of LBP among school teachers in Africa. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search focused on LBP in African school teachers was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and CABI databases, regardless of publication timelines, from October 20 to December 3, 2022. In addition, gray literature was searched using Google Scholar and Google Search. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel by using the JBI data extraction checklist. The overall effect of LBP was estimated using a random effect model via DerSimonian-Laird weights. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with 95% CI were computed using STATA 14/SE software. The I2 test and Egger's regression test were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 585 articles were retrieved, and 11 eligible studies involving a total of 5,805 school teachers were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of LBP in African school teachers was found to be 59.0% (95% CI: 52.0%-65.0%). Being female [POR: 1.53; 95% CI (1.19, 1.98)], being older [POR: 1.58; 95% CI (1.04, 2.40)], being physically inactive [POR: 1.92; 95% CI (1.04, 3.52)], having sleep problems [POR: 2.03; 95% CI (1.19, 3.44)] and having a history of injury [POR: 1.92; 95% CI (1.67, 2.21)] were factors significantly associated with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of LBP was high among school teachers in Africa compared to developed nations. Sex (female), older age, physical inactivity, sleep problems, and a history of previous injury were predictors of LBP. It is suggested that policymakers and administrators ought to gain awareness of LBP and its risk factors to put existing LBP preventive and control measures into action. Prophylactic management and therapeutic strategies for people with LBP should also be endorsed.

Occupational respiratory morbidity and associated factors among hairdressers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers in Northwestern Ethiopia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July 2022 to 17 August 2022. The data were collected using a standardised American Thoracic Society questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05. SETTING: The study was conducted in Gondar city, Northwestern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 403 hairdressers participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is the prevalence of occupational respiratory morbidity. RESULTS: The total response rate was 95.5%. The majority, 250 (62%) of the respondents were women. The mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 27 (±6.0) years. The overall prevalence of occupational respiratory morbidity during the past 12 months was found to be 134 (33.3%) (95% CI (28.7% to 38.1%)). Female hairdressers (18.6%) showed greater respiratory morbidity than male hairdressers (14.7%). Working experience 3-5 years (AOR: 3.05; 95% CI (1.76 to 5.30)) and working experience >5 years (AOR: 6.22; 95% CI (2.73 to 14.16)), overweight (body mass index (BMI)) (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI (1.19 to 7.58)) and working near roadsides (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI (1.33 to 3.37)) were risk factors of occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that one-third of hairdressers experienced occupational respiratory morbidity. Longer work experience, higher BMI and working near roadsides were identified as significant risk factors for respiratory morbidity in hairdressers. Dietary calorie restrictions for overweight individuals and the development and implementation of air pollution mitigation measures targeted at roadside workers are advised to curb the problem.

Household water treatment practice and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The provision of potable water is crucial to ensuring the health and dignity of individuals. In many developing countries, including Ethiopia, waterborne disease has become a major public health problem. There is a significant gap in accessing comprehensive national-wide evidence on Household Water Treatment (HWT) practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the pooled HWT practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search of published studies before October 15, 2022, was identified using databases and other sources. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 14/SE software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of HWT practices and the odds ratio of associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. Duval and Tweedie's "trim and fill" method was performed to adjust the pooled estimate. A subgroup analysis was also conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. In this study, a total of 708 articles were retrieved, and 16 eligible studies were included. The pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be 21% (95% CI: 17-24). Having a formal education (OR: 2.42, 95% CI (2.11-2.74)), being male (OR: 1.32, 95% CI (1.13-1.51)), owning radio (OR: 1.33, 95% CI (1.18-1.47)), having a higher income (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.41-2.04)), unimproved water source (OR: 1.71, 95% CI (1.41-2.01)), fetching water at more frequently (OR: 3.31, 95% CI (1.99-4.64)), dipping methods of water drawing (OR: 2.08, 95% CI (1.66-2.51)), and taken training of water treatment (OR: 2.15, 95% CI (1.55-2.75)) were all found to be associated with HWT practice. Based on the findings of this study, the pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be one-fifth, which indicated that it was significantly low. Therefore, the authors recommend that households could better receive adequate information about HWT practices through strengthened health education and intensive training on HWT.

A systematic review of the health effects of lead exposure from electronic waste in children.

Introduction: Electronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging human and environmental problem. Lead (Pb) is one of the most dangerous chemicals for human health, and it is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant in e-waste. Despite the rapid growth of e-waste globally and the health effects of Pb, there is little information regarding the effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide concise information on the health effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases was undertaken using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, HINARI, African Journal Online (AJOL), and additional sources were searched up to November 25, 2022. Eligibility criteria were determined using Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome (PECO). The guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used during the article selection process. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration ID: CRD42022377028). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: From a total of 1,150 identified studies, 20 full-text studies were included in the systematic review. All most included studies were conducted in China recycling area for e-waste. The included studies were conducted with an exposed group versus a reference group. The majority of the included studies found that blood Pb levels were ≥5 µg/dl and that Pb exposures from e-waste were affecting children's health, such as a decrease in serum cortisol levels, inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis, impact on neurobehavioral development, affect physical development, etc. Conclusion: Lead exposure had a significant impact on children's health as a result of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, formalizing the informal sector and raising public health awareness are important steps toward reducing Pb exposure from e-waste. Moreover, the concerned stakeholders, like national and international organizations, should work together to effectively manage e-waste.

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

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

Self-Reported Personal Hygiene Practice and Associated Factors among Prison Inmates in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

The growing prevalence of communicable diseases in prison is significantly attributed to poor hygiene practices and insufficient sanitary conditions. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported personal hygiene practice and its associated factors among prison inmates in Gondar, northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2018, to February 30, 2019. Data were gathered using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklists. The mean age of the inmates was 36 years (±12.4) and the mean months spent in prison was 98.2 ± 15.4 months. The overall adherence to good personal hygiene practices among Gondar City Prison inmates was 54.3%, with a 95% CI of (49.4, 59.1). The number of prisoners per cell [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.31; 95% CI, (0.16, 0.62)], daily water consumption [AOR, 6.78; 95% CI, (2.84, 16.15)], and good knowledge (AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, (1.23, 5.61)] were found to be significant predictors of personal hygiene practice among prison inmates. More than half of the study participants had good personal hygiene practices. Knowledge, daily water consumption, and the number of prisoners per cell were all found to be significantly associated with prisoners' personal hygiene practices. Improving the availability of water would be the best alternative way to improve the personal hygiene practices of the prisoners. Furthermore, prison inmates should be educated on proper hygiene measures and personal cleanliness to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.

Food handlers' practices and associated factors in public food establishments in Gondar, Ethiopia 2021/2022.

Food safety is crucial to avoid foodborne illness and improve human wellbeing. Millions of people get sick, and many of them pass away due to eating unhealthy food. Foodborne diseases are still a public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess food handlers' practices and associated factors in public food establishments in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Across-sectional study was conducted among 417 food handlers in food and drink service establishments. The data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors. The prevalence of food safety practice among food handlers was 37.6%, with a 95% CI of (32.9, 42.7). More than half of the study participants had good knowledge and attitude. Sex (female) [AOR = 0.40, 95%CI: (0.23, 0.92)], educational status (diploma and above) [AOR = 1.50, 95%CI: (1.21, 3.10)], and good attitude [AOR = 0.25 95%CI: (0.12, 0.89)] were predictors of food safety practices. The prevalence of food safety practices among food handlers in Gondar food establishments was low. The provision of education and on-the-job training on food safety and personal hygiene is advised to enhance good food handling practices.

Prevalence of diarrheal disease and associated factors among under-five children in flood-prone settlements of Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional community-based study.

Background: Diarrheal illnesses are a long-standing public health problem in developing countries due to numerous sanitation issues and a lack of safe drinking water. Floods exacerbate public health issues by spreading water-borne infectious diseases such as diarrhea through the destruction of sanitation facilities and contamination of drinking water. There has been a shortage of studies regarding the magnitude of diarrheal disease in flood-prone areas. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of diarrheal disease and its predictors among under-five children living in flood-prone localities in the south Gondar zone of Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional research was carried out in flood-prone villages of the Fogera and Libokemkem districts from March 17 to March 30, 2021. Purposive and systematic sampling techniques were used to select six kebeles and 717 study units, respectively. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine the predictors of diarrheal disease, with P-value <0.05 used as the cut-off point to declare the association. Result: The prevalence of a diarrheal disease among under-five children was 29.0%. The regular cleaning of the compound [AOR: 2.13; 95% CI (1.25, 3.62)], source of drinking water [AOR: 2.36; 95% CI: (1.26, 4.41)], animal access to water storage site [AOR: 3.04; 95% CI: (1.76, 5.24)], vector around food storage sites [AOR: 9.13; 95% CI: (4.06, 20.52)], use of leftover food [AOR: 4.31; 95% CI: (2.64, 7.04)], and fecal contamination of water [AOR: 12.56; 95% CI: (6.83, 23.20)] remained to have a significant association with diarrheal diseases. Conclusion: The present study found that the prevalence of the diarrheal disease among under-five children was high. Routine compound cleaning, the source of drinking water, animal access to a water storage site, vectors near food storage sites, consumption of leftover food, and fecal contamination of water were significant predictors of diarrheal disease. Therefore, it is advised to provide improved water sources, encourage routine cleaning of the living area, and offer health education about water, hygiene, and sanitation.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis symptoms among healthcare cleaners during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis (WRCD) symptoms among cleaners working in healthcare institutions in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2021. An interviewer-administered standardised Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, V.2002 (NOSQ-2002) was used to assess WRCD. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was computed with a binary logistic regression. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05. SETTING: The study was conducted in Gondar city healthcare institutions, Northwestern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 409 cleaners participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is the prevalence of WRCD symptoms, which was measured using the NOSQ-2002. RESULTS: The response rate was 95.6%. The majority, 302 (73.8%), of the study participants were female. The mean age (±SD) was 31 (±7.87) years old. The overall prevalence of self-reported WRCD during the last 12 months was 213 (52.1%) (95% CI (47.1% to 57.0%)). The highest symptoms reported were skin redness, 51.6% (n=110), and the most affected skin body sites were hands (hand dermatitis), 74.2% (n=158). Hand washing frequency more than 20 times per day (AOR=1.73, 95% CI (1.03 to 2.92)), personal history of eczema (AOR=1.46, 95% CI (1.01 to 2.42)) and lack of training on skin hazards (AOR=2.06, 95% CI (1.16 to 3.63)) were factors influencing the occurrence of WRCD. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the prevalence of WRCD is common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting hand washing frequency per day, educating people with atopy about the avoidance of exposure to skin irritants and providing training on skin hazards were recommended to minimise the condition.