Interpregnancy interval and the risk of oppositional defiant disorder in offspring.

The study aimed to investigate the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and parent-reported oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in offspring at 7 and 10 years of age. We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), an ongoing population-based longitudinal study based in Bristol, United Kingdom (UK). Data included in the analysis consisted of more than 3200 mothers and their singleton children. The association between IPI and ODD was determined using a series of log-binomial regression analyses. We found that children of mothers with short IPI (<6 months) were 2.4 times as likely to have a diagnosis of ODD at 7 and 10 years compared to mothers with IPI of 18-23 months (RR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.24-4.81 and RR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.08-5.33), respectively. We found no evidence of associations between other IPI categories and risk of ODD in offspring in both age groups. Adjustment for a wide range of confounders, including maternal mental health, and comorbid ADHD did not alter the findings. This study suggests that the risk of ODD is higher among children born following short IPI (<6 months). Future large prospective studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms explaining this association.

Association between obstetric mode of delivery and emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents: the children of the 90s health study.

PURPOSE: Existing evidence on the relationship between mode of delivery and offspring emotional and behavioural problems, especially in older age groups, is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between obstetric mode of delivery and emotional and behavioural problems in offspring aged 3-16 years. METHODS: The sample for this study comprised participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the United Kingdom. The study cohort ranged from 7074 (at 3 years of age) to 4071 (at 16 years of age) mother-offspring pairs. Data on obstetric mode of delivery were abstracted from obstetric records by trained research midwives and classified as spontaneous vaginal delivery, assisted vaginal delivery and caesarean delivery (elective and emergency). Offspring emotional and behavioural problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) when the child was 3, 7, 9, 11, and 16 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations. RESULTS: Assisted vaginal delivery was associated with an increased risk of emotional problems at age 11 years (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.11-1.81). No significant associations were observed at ages 3, 7, 9 and 16. We found no evidence of associations between caesarean delivery (elective or emergency) and emotional and behavioural measures in offspring across all age groups. CONCLUSION: Mode of delivery does not appear to be associated with emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents. Further research is needed to understand the potential longer-term effects of assisted vaginal deliveries on offspring emotional development.

The impact of parental mental health problems on the educational outcomes of their offspring: Findings from the Raine Study.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited evidence on the impact of parental mental health problems on offspring's educational outcomes. We investigated the impact of maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as paternal emotional problems on the educational outcomes of their adolescent and young adult offspring. METHODS: We used data from a longitudinal birth cohort recruited between 1989 and 1991 in Australia (the Raine Study). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to assess maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, and a self-reported question was used to measure paternal mental health problems. Both were assessed when the offspring was aged 10 years. Outcomes included offspring's self-reported education attainment-not completing year 10 at age 17, not attending tertiary education at ages 17 and 22 and primary caregiver's reports of offspring's academic performance at age 17. RESULTS: A total of 1033, 1307 and 1364 parent-offspring pairs were included in the final analysis exploring the association between parental mental health problems and offspring's academic performance at school, completing year 10 and attending tertiary education, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the offspring of mothers with anxiety symptoms were 3.42 times more likely than the offspring of mothers without anxiety symptoms to have poor or below-average academic performance (odds ratio = 3.42; 95% confidence interval = [1.31, 8.92]) and more than 2 times more likely to not attend tertiary education (odds ratio = 2.55; 95% confidence interval = [1.10, 5.5.88]) and not to have completed year 10 (odds ratio = 2.13; 95% confidence interval = [1.04, 4.33]). We found no significant associations between maternal depressive symptoms or paternal emotional problems and offspring educational attainment. CONCLUSION: Maternal anxiety symptoms, but not depression and paternal emotional problems, are associated with poor educational attainment and achievement in adolescent offspring. The findings highlight that efforts to improve the outcomes of offspring of mothers with anxiety could focus on educational attainment.

Prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mental distress is an important public health problem and is becoming common health problems among university students. AIMS: This study aimed to provide a pooled prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia. METHOD: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases. A further search was performed at Google Scholar search engine for additional studies. All observational studies reporting the prevalence of mental distress and/or associated factors among university students in Ethiopia were included. Pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using random effects and quality effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Heterogeneity between studies and evidence of publication bias were assessed. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of mental distress was 35% (95% CI; 28%-43%). Being female, participating in religious programmes, having close friends, experiencing financial distress, alcohol use, khat use, conflict with friends, lack of interest in their field of study and a family history of mental illness were factors associated with mental distress among students. We found significant heterogeneity, but no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of university students in Ethiopia have suffered with mental distress. The finding provides evidence that university students are at risk population for mental health problems and suggests the need for early intervention to prevent severe mental illness.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the risk of offspring depression in childhood: Findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) may increase the risk of offspring depression in childhood. Low birth weight is also associated with increased risk of mental health problems, including depression. This study sought to investigate (a) whether there is an association between HDP and the risk of depression in childhood and (b) whether low birth weight mediates this association. The current study is based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective, population-based study that has followed a cohort of offspring since their mothers were pregnant (n = 6,739). Depression at the age of 7 years was diagnosed using parent reports via the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). Log-binomial regression and mediation analyses were used. Children exposed to HDP were 2.3 times more likely to have a depression diagnosis compared with nonexposed children, adjusted Risk Ratio [RR], 2.31; 95% CI, [1.20, 4.47]. Low birth weight was a weak mediator of this association. Results were adjusted for confounding variables including antenatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy.This study suggests that fetal exposure to maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased the risk of childhood depression. The study adds to the evidence suggesting that the uterine environment is a critical determinant of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Rabies has a worldwide distribution in continental regions of Africa, Asia and the Latin America. Globally, the case fatality rate is 100% once a clinical sign is developed. Poor public awareness towards rabies is one of the major obstacles in any prevention and control scheme of the diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, 2016. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2016 with a total of 633 study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and entered to EPI-Info 3.5.4 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Bi variable and multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice about rabies. Variables having p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95%CI. RESULTS: Of 633 study participants, 357 (56.4%) were females and 239 (37.8%) were 18-35 years old. Among the study participants, 56.1% (95%CI = 52.2, 59.9), 56.2% (95%CI = 52.4, 60.1) and 61.3% (95%CI = 57.5, 65.1) had good level of knowledge, attitude and practice on the prevention and control of rabies respectively. Being female (AOR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.05, 2.13), dog owner (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.17, 2.41) and participants who had training on rabies (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.53, 3.21) were found to have good knowledge. Married participants (AOR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.16, 4.16), participants who owned dog (AOR = 2.64, 95%CI = 1.80, 3.86) and those encountered dog bite (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI = 1.23, 4.10) were found to have positive attitude towards rabies. Similarly, dog ownership (AOR = 11.85, 95%CI = 7.16, 19.6) was found to be associated with good practice. CONCLUSION: This study showed that more than half of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice about the prevention and control of rabies.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and emotional and behavioural problems in children: a longitudinal population-based study.

There is evidence that offspring of mothers who have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. This study aims to examine the association between maternal HDP and emotional- and behavioural problems in offspring at age 11 years as reported by teachers and parents. The current study is based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective, population-based study that has followed a cohort of offspring since their mothers were pregnant. Childhood emotional- and behavioural problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), completed by parents (n = 7196) and the child's teacher (n = 7411). Maternal preeclampsia, but not gestational hypertension, was associated with teacher-reported total behavioural difficulties (RR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.03-2.52) and internalising problems in children [peer problems (RR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.08) and emotional problems (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.13-2.51)]. No associations between preeclampsia and/or gestational hypertension and parent-reported emotional- and behaviour problems were observed. Our study showed that children exposed to preeclampsia had higher risk of teacher-reported total behavioural difficulties and internalising problems compared with unexposed children. The findings suggest emotional- and behavioural difficulties may not be evident in all settings, hence the importance of collecting evidence from multiple informants.

Externalizing and internalizing symptoms in childhood and adolescence and the risk of alcohol use disorders in young adulthood: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that externalizing and internalizing symptoms are expressed early in life and are associated with problematic drinking in young adulthood. However, few studies have examined their role during childhood and adolescence in predicting alcohol problems later in life. OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of childhood and adolescent externalizing and internalizing symptoms in predicting alcohol use disorders in young adulthood. METHODS: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and Embase) for studies which diagnosed alcohol use disorders through either the International Classification of Diseases or American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria and followed up children or adolescents into the transition to young adulthood. We performed a meta-analysis and obtained pooled odds ratio estimates with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 12 longitudinal studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. All measured the outcome using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. The majority were of good quality and were conducted in the United States. A total of 19,407 participants (50% female) were included in this meta-analysis. Of these, n = 2337 (12%) had diagnoses of alcohol use disorders/alcohol dependence. Participant ages ranged from birth to 36 years. Internalizing symptoms increased the risk of young adult alcohol use disorders by 21% (odds ratio = 1.21; 95% confidence interval = [1.05, 1.39]), with no strong evidence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis suggested significantly lower heterogeneity than for externalizing studies. Externalizing symptoms increased the risk of alcohol use disorders by 62% (odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = [1.39, 1.90]). We found some evidence of publication bias and significant heterogeneity in the studies. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the contribution of early behavioural problems to the development of alcohol use disorders in young adulthood and the need for timely scrutiny of and intervention on early behavioural problems.

Domestic violence related disclosure among women and girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is common public health problem. Domestic violence related disclosure is an important first step in the process of prevention, control and treatments of domestic violence related adverse effect. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of domestic violence related disclosure and synthesize its associated factors. METHODS: We followed the PRISMA Guidelines to report the results of the finding. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Sciences were searched. The heterogeneity between studies was measured by the index of heterogeneity (I2 statistics) test. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to determine publication bias. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was carried out. To calculate the pooled prevalence, a random effects model was utilized. RESULTS: Twenty one eligible studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of domestic violence related non-disclosure was found to be 36.2% (95% CI, 31.8-40.5%). Considering violence as normal or not serious, shame, embarrassment and fear of disclosure related consequences were the common barriers for non-disclosure. CONCLUSION: More than one third of women and girls were not disclosed their experience of domestic violence. The finding of this study suggests the need of evaluation and strengthening of the collaborative work among different sectors such as: policy-makers, service providers, administrative personnel and community leaders including the engagement of men partner. This study also suggests the needs of women empowerments against the traditional belief, attitude, and practice.

Prevalence and factors associated with road traffic incident among adolescents and children in the hospitals of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Road Traffic Incident (RTI) has been commonly reported as a major public health problem around the world and the incidence is higher in low and middle income countries, such as Ethiopia than high income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with RTI among adolescents and children in the hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed among 830 injured children visiting the Emergency Department of four randomly selected hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia between February 1 and April 30, 2016. Data were entered into EPI info version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 20, for further analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to determine the statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of RTI, from all injury cases, was 20%. Socioeconomic status, being wealthy (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01, 0.45) and middle income (AOR: 0.40,95% CI, 0.17, 0.97), parental/guardian education/no education (AOR: 6.91, 95% CI, 2.52, 8.93), mothers marital status/divorced (AOR: 0.01, 95% CI, 0.01, 0.05), and leaving a child with another child for sometime (AOR: 2.56, CI 1.06, 6.20) and most often (AOR: 4.77, CI, 1.15, 9.77) were factors independently associated with RTI . CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The prevalence of RTI was found to be high. RTI prevention needs critical consideration and the intervention strategies shall focus on those families who are practicing of leaving a child with another child.

Pre-eclampsia and the risk of autism-spectrum disorder in offspring: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence about the effect of intrauterine exposure to pre-eclampsia on offspring autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) is not well established. Aims To examine the association between pre-eclampsia and ASD. METHOD: PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched. Pooled relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q- and the I 2-test. The presence of publication bias was evaluated by Egger's test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots. RESULTS: Ten studies meet the inclusion criteria. The risk of ASD was 32% higher in offspring who had intrauterine exposure to pre-eclampsia compared with those not exposed (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.20-1.45). Sensitivity analysis revealed consistent pooled estimates ranging from RR = 1.30 (95% CI 1.17-1.44) to RR = 1.37 (95% CI 1.26-1.48). We found no significant heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Pre-eclampsia increased the risk of ASD in offspring. The finding suggests a need for early screening for ASD in offspring of women with pre-eclampsia. Declaration of interest None.

Determinants and perceptions of the utilization of tetanus toxoid immunization among reproductive-age women in Dukem Town, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is still the major public health problem in about 25 countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, the utilization of intervention strategies, like tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization remains low in these countries. In Ethiopia, only 49% of the pregnant mothers received TT2+ in 2016. This study was designed to evaluate perceptions and factors affecting the utilization of TT immunization among reproductive-age women in Dukem town, Eastern Ethiopia, 2016. METHODS: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from May to October 2016. A simple random sampling method was employed to select samples of 422 women. Data were collected using a, pretested semi-structured and a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. We entered data in to Epi Info version 7 and analyzed them by SPSS version 20 software. Odds ratios and a 95% CI at 0 < 0.05 p-value were calculated to ascertain the significance of associations. RESULTS: Response rate was 98.6% (N = 416). Mean age with standard deviation was 29.25± 5.11 years, and average family size was 4.19. Our study showed the utilization of TT immunization was 39.2% (N = 163). Of the participants, 33.9% (N = 141) had never been vaccinated. ANC follow up service [AOR: 2.56, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.49)], distance from health facilities [AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: (1.27, 4.09)], knowing vaccination date [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: (1.23, 3.18)], having a TV set in the house [AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: (1.11, 2.917)], maternal education [AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: (1.84, 2.30), and place of delivery [AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: (1.00, 1.43)] were factors significantly associated with the utilization of TT immunization. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated the utilization of TT immunization was low. ANC service follow up, distance from health facilities, knowing vaccination date, having a TV in the house, mothers' educational status, and place of delivery were significant predictors. Our study suggests that policymakers and other stakeholders should consider the need for increasing access to maternal education, like basic adult education, ANC follow up services, providing accessible health facilities, improving varieties of communication media, promoting female occupational status, and providing appropriate vaccination cards.

More than eight in every nineteen inmates were living with depression at prisons of Northwest Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, a cross sectional study design.

BACKGROUND: Mental health is the greatest challenges for the current and future generations. Worldwide, out of the 66 million people suffering from depression; majority (85%) were from low and middle income countries. The prevalence was more common among the prisons population than the community. However, a worldwide consideration given to the problems is very low, particularly for prisoners. METHODS: To assess level of depression and associated factors among prisoners in prisons of Northwest Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, Institutional based cross sectional study was employed on 727 prisoners selected by multistage random sampling from three prisons of northwest Amhara. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess an individuals' depression level. The reliability of the tool was checked by Cronbach's Alpha (yielding value of 0.841). Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with depression after Hosmer and lemeshow goodness of fit test was used for model fitness. RESULTS: Of the total prisoners participated (649), 284 (43.8%; 95% CI: 39.90, 47.67%) had symptoms of depression. Detainees' satisfaction level about life before imprisonment, belief about their life after imprisonment, plan to commit suicide, social support and types of prisons were significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSIONS: Depression level among detainees was found to be high. Thus, providing training to scale up satisfaction of prisoners, on how to cope up with environment just before imprisonment and release, and treating prisoners will improve the problem.

Anxiety and associated factors among prisoners in North West of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Mental illnesses are more common among the prison population than the general public. However, little attention is given to mental health service in low and middle income countries in general. The problem is more so for prisoners where the overall health care is poor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and the associated factors among prisoners of North West Amhara, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was employed from February to March 2015 by taking a sample of 700 prisoners. Simple random sampling method was employed to select three prisons out of 10 prisons found in the North West Amhara region. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was used to assess prisoners' anxiety status. The receiver- operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cutoff point with high sensitivity and specificity. Structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were checked, coded and entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using R version 3.2.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with anxiety. Odds ratio with its 95 % confidence interval was used as a measure of association. Akaike's Information's Criterion (AIC) was used to check model fitness. RESULTS: A total of 649 prisoners were included in the analysis making the response rate 92.5 %. The prevalence of Anxiety was found to be 36.1 % (95 % CI: 32.7, 39.9). The odds of Anxiety was 2.49(95 % CI: 1.38, 4.55) times higher among prisoners who used to be unhappy in their life before imprisonment. Moreover, smokers were 2.6 (AOR = 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.08, 6.6) times more likely to have anxiety compared with non smokers. However, the odds of the odds of anxiety was 89% lower among Debre-Tabor prisoners (AOR = 0.11, 95 % CI: 0.06, 0.20) and 57 % lower among Gondar prisoners (AOR = 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.28, 0.67). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anxiety is found to be very high among prisoners in North West Ethiopia. Anxiety was associated with current smoking and having had a dissatisfying life. Screening prisoners for common mental disorders and integrated health care is necessary.

Rate of initial highly active anti-retroviral therapy regimen change and its predictors among adult HIV patients at University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective follow up study.

BACKGROUND: Regimen change is a major challenge for the sustainability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment program. In a resource limited setting where treatment options are limited, designing strategies to increase the durability of original regimen are essential. However, information's on rate of initial regimen change and its predictors is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the rate of initial highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen change and its predictors among adult HIV patients at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional based retrospective follow up study was conducted among 410 adult HIV patients started HAART from January 2010 to December 2014. Simple random sampling technique was used to select patient records using computer generated random number. Data were collected from patient chart using data extraction tool. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the median duration of regimen change. Life table was used to estimate the cumulative survival for initial regimen change and log rank test to compare regimen change survival curves between the different categories of explanatory variables. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify predictors of initial regimen change. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of initial regimen change was 10.11 (95 % CI 8.29, 12.6) per 100 person years (PY). Baseline WHO clinical stage III (AHR = 1.92, 95 % CI 1.12-3.35), occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) on the initial regimen (AHR = 8.33, 95 % CI 4.47-15.53), side effect on the initial regimen (AHR = 25.27, 95 % CI 15.12-42.00) and co-medication with ART (AHR = 2.5, 95 % CI 1.46-4.34) were significant predictors of initial regimen change. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of initial HAART regimen change was found to be high. Having WHO clinical stage III, co-medication with ART, occurrence of tuberculosis and side effect on initial regimen were independent predictors of regimen change. Hence, close follow-up and screening of patient for side effect and tuberculosis is important.

Medication administration error reporting and associated factors among nurses working at the University of Gondar referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2015.

BACKGROUND: Medication administration is the final step/phase of medication process in which its error directly affects the patient health. Due to the central role of nurses in medication administration, whether they are the source of an error, a contributor, or an observer they have the professional, legal and ethical responsibility to recognize and report. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of medication administration error reporting and associated factors among nurses working at The University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based quantitative cross - sectional study was conducted among 282 Nurses. Data were collected using semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire of the Medication Administration Errors Reporting (MAERs). Binary logistic regression with 95 % confidence interval was used to identify factors associated with medication administration errors reporting. RESULTS: The estimated medication administration error reporting was found to be 29.1 %. The perceived rates of medication administration errors reporting for non-intravenous related medications were ranged from 16.8 to 28.6 % and for intravenous-related from 20.6 to 33.4 %. Education status (AOR =1.38, 95 % CI: 4.009, 11.128), disagreement over time - error definition (AOR = 0.44, 95 % CI: 0.468, 0.990), administrative reason (AOR = 0.35, 95 % CI: 0.168, 0.710) and fear (AOR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.257, 0.838) were factors statistically significant for the refusal of reporting medication administration errors at p-value <0.05. CONCLUSION: In this study, less than one third of the study participants reported medication administration errors. Educational status, disagreement over time - error definition, administrative reason and fear were factors statistically significant for the refusal of errors reporting at p-value <0.05. Therefore, the results of this study suggest strategies that enhance the cultures of error reporting such as providing a clear definition of reportable errors and strengthen the educational status of nurses by the health care organization.

Prevalence of workplace violence in Northwest Ethiopia: a multivariate analysis.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence has been acknowledged as a global problem, particularly in the health sector. However, there is scarce data on workplace violence among nurses in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of workplace violence and associated factors among nurses in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional study design was employed in 386 nurses from April 1 - April 30, 2015. Data were collected through the use of self-administered questionnaire developed by the International Labor Office/International Council of Nurses/World Health Organization and Public Services International. To keep the quality of the data collection training was given to supervisors and data collectors. Piloting was done in Debark hospital two weeks before actual data collection to assess the tool's clarity and make amendments. The proposal was approved by the Institutional Review Board of University of Gondar prior to study commencement and a written consent was obtained from each study participant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of workplace violence was 26.7 %. Exploratory logistic regression analyses suggested that age, number of staff in the same work shift, working in a male ward, history of workplace violence, and marital status were factors independently associated with workplace violence. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of workplace violence among nurses was high. Creating a prevention strategy involving different stakeholders is recommended.

Prevalence of injury and associated factors among patients visiting the Emergency Departments of Amhara Regional State Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Injury significantly affecting the health and well-being of the society. The prevalence tends to be higher in low income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of injury and associated factors among patients visiting emergency departments of Amhara Regional State referral hospitals. METHODS: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April 2014. The systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with injury. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the level of significance. RESULT: The prevalence of injury was 55.6%. Being male (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.79-4.47), monthly income less than 34.2 USD (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI, 1.03-3.46), being age between 20 to 44 years (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.06-4.81), being a daily laborer (AOR = 6.27; 95% CI, 2.38-16.47), being a farmer (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.31-6.41) and being a substance user (AOR = 2. 16; 95 % CI, 1.18-3.96) were significantly associated with injury. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of injury was high. Being male, age 20 to 44 years, income < 34.2 USD, being a daily laborer, being a farmer and alcohol use were factors associated with injury. Hence, appropriate injury prevention strategy should be designed in order to lessen the magnitude of injury.

Nurse uniform wearing practices and associated factors among nurses working in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional institution based study.

BACKGROUND: Wearing uniforms help in the formation of professional identity in healthcare. It fosters a strong self image and professional identity which can lead to good confidence and better performance in nursing practice. However, most nurses in Ethiopia are not wearing nursing uniforms and the reasons remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this research is to assess nurse uniform wearing practices among nurses and factors associated with such practice in hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2014 in five hospitals located in Northwest Ethiopia. A total 459 nurses participated in the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were analyzed in order to characterize the study population. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were fitted. Odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were computed to identify factors associated with nursing uniform practice. RESULTS: Nurse uniform wearing practice was found to be 49.2 % of the total sample size. Around 35 % of the respondents that did not implement nurse uniform wearing practices stated that there was no specific uniform for nurses recommended by hospital management. In addition to this, nurse uniform wearing practices were positively associated with being female [AOR = 1.58, 95 % CI (1.02, 2.44)], studying nursing by choice [AOR =3.16, 95 % CI (2.03, 4.92)], and the appeal of nursing uniforms to nurses [AOR = 3.43 95 % CI (1.96, 5.98)]. CONCLUSION: Nurse uniform wearing practices were not exceptionally prevalent in Northwest Ethiopian hospitals. However, encouraging students to pursue interest-based careers and implementing a nurse uniform wearing policy may have the potential to improve such practices.