Effects of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) education on childhood intestinal parasitic infections in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia: an uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study

Abstract Background Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the most deprived communities. Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) prevents environmental contamination, thereby preventing transmission of STH. Cognizant of this, WASH education was implemented in rural Dembiya to reduce intestinal parasitic infections. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess the impacts of the intervention on households’ WASH conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Method An uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study was used. Cross-sectional studies were done before and after the intervention. Two hundred twenty-five and 302 under five children were recruited randomly at the baseline and endline, respectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observational checklists. Direct stool examination and Kato-Katz methods were used to identify parasites in the stool. We used percent point change and prevalence ratio (PR) to see the effects of the intervention on WASH conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections respectively. Pearson chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to test for statistically significant percentage point changes of WASH conditions. The effect of the intervention on intestinal parasitic infections was statistically tested on the basis of PR with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The baseline prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 25.8%, and the endline prevalence was 23.8%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was not significantly decreased at the endline compared with the baseline [PR = 0.92, 95% CI = (0.62, 1.38)]. Ascaris Lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasitic infection both at the baseline and endline. The proportion of children who had good hygienic condition increased from 1.3% at the baseline to 34.4% at the end line (p <  0.05). The percentage of mothers/care givers who washed hands at different pick times was significantly increased from 24.4% at the baseline to 68.2% at the endline (p <  0.001). The proportion of households who practiced home-based water treatment was significantly increased from 7.6% at the baseline to 47% at the endline (p <  0.001). The proportion of households who used sanitary latrine was increased from 32% at the baseline to 49% at the endline (p <  0.05). Conclusion This before-and-after intervention study found that households’ WASH performance was significantly improved at the endline compared with the baseline. The endline prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was slightly lower than the baseline prevalence; however, the reduction was not statistically significant. The local health office needs to strengthen the WASH education program, mobilize the community to construct WASH facilities, and support the community to sustain households’ WASH performance

Prevalence of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Admitted in Debre Tabor General Hospital, North West Ethiopia: Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background. In Ethiopia, preterm premature rupture of membrane is defined as loss of amniotic fluid before the onset of labor in pregnancy >28 weeks of gestation but before 37 weeks. It is a significant cause of perinatal, neonatal, and maternal morbidity and mortality both in high- and low-income countries. Due to different factors associated with the quality of health care given and socioeconomic factors, the effect of preterm premature rupture of membrane is worsen in low-income countries. Little evidence is available about the problem in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane and its associated factors among pregnant women admitted in Debre Tabor General Hospital. Methods. Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 424 mothers were included in the study. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. A combination of chart review and interview was used to collect the data. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were computed. Result. The prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane was found to be 13.7%. Pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge (AOR = 5.30, 95% CI  = 2.07–13.52), urinary tract infection (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.32–5.19), history of premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.32–8.27), vaginal bleeding (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.14–5.82), and mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm (AOR = 6.26, 95% CI = 3.21–12.20) were associated with preterm premature rupture of membrane. Conclusions. The prevalence of preterm premature rupture of membrane was high. Abnormal vaginal discharge, urinary tract infection, vaginal bleeding, previous premature rupture of membrane, and mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm were associated with preterm premature rupture of membrane. Thus, early screening and treatment of urinary tract infections and abnormal vaginal discharges were recommended to reduce the risk of preterm premature rupture of membrane

Knowledge, attitude, and uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among adolescent schoolgirls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is an international public health issue. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine prevents more than 75% of cervical cancer. The extent to which adolescent girls' knowledge and uptake of the HPV vaccine have to be investigated in order to build effective promotion strategies and increase the uptake of the vaccine. The evidence that is currently available in this area is controversial and inconclusive. Hence, this study has estimated the pooled proportion of good knowledge, positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine and its associated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in Ethiopia. Methods PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, ScienceDirect, and DOAJ were used to search relevant studies. A total of 10 studies were included. The data were extracted by two reviewers using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA Version 17 for analysis. A random effects model was applied during the analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias across the studies were evaluated using I2 statistics and Egger’s test, respectively. The PROSPERO registration number for the review is CRD42023414030. Result A total of eight studies comprising 3936 study participants for knowledge and attitude and five studies with 2,481 study participants for uptake of HPV were used to estimate the pooled proportions of good knowledge, a positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine, respectively. The pooled proportions of good knowledge, positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine were 55.12%, 45.34%, and 42.05%, respectively. Being an urban resident (OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 1.81, 9.58), having good knowledge (OR = 6.70, 95% CI = 3.43, 13.07), and a positive attitude (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.51, 2.74), were significantly associated with the uptake of the vaccine. Conclusion The pooled proportions of good knowledge, a positive attitude, and uptake of the HPV vaccine were low in Ethiopia. Being an urban resident and having good knowledge and a positive attitude towards the HPV vaccine were significantly associated with the uptake of the HPV vaccine. We recommend increasing adolescent knowledge, positive attitudes, and uptake of HPV vaccination through school-based seminars, health education, and community mobilization

The Level of Unmet Need for Family Planning and Its Predictors among HIV-Positive Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Studies indicated that the need for family planning appears to be greater for human immuno-deficiency virus- (HIV-) positive women than the general population to reduce the risk of pediatrics HIV infection and related consequences of unintended pregnancy. We aimed to assess the level of unmet need for family planning and its predictors among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia. Methods. Online databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, HINARI, Google Scholar, and digital libraries of universities were used to search for studies to be included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Data were extracted using the format prepared on Excel workbook and analyzed by the Stata 11 software. Cochran (Q test) and I2 test statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. Similarly, the funnel plot and Egger’s regression asymmetry test were used to assess publication bias. Result. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using nine primary studies with a total of 6,154 participants. The pooled prevalence of unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women was found to be 25.72% (95% CI: 21.63%, 29.81%). Participants age 15-24 years ((OR=3.12; 95% CI: 1.59, 6.11) I2=27.5%; p=0.252), being illiterate ((OR=2.69; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.26) I2=0.0%; p=0.899), failure to discuss FP with partner ((OR=3.38; 95% CI: 2.20, 5.18) I2=0.0%; p=0.861), and no access to family planning information ((OR=4.70; 95% CI: 2.83, 7.81) I2=0.0%; p=0.993) were found to be a significant predictors of unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women. Conclusion. The level of unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women was found to be high in Ethiopia. Being young age, illiteracy, failed to discuss family planning issues with a partner, and no access to family planning information were found to be the significant predictors of unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia. Improving information access and encouraging partners’ involvement in family planning counseling and services could reduce the level of unmet need for family planning

Prevalence of meconium stained amniotic fluid and its associated factors among women who gave birth at term in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized referral hospital, North West Ethiopia: a facility based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Meconium stained amniotic fluid is one of the risk factors to increase the rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality both in developed and developing countries. Due to a multitude of factors associated with socioeconomic and quality of service, the ill effect of meconium stained amniotic fluid is even worse in developing countries. But very little information is known about the situation in Ethiopia, particularly the study area to design appropriate prevention strategies. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and its associated factors among women who gave birth at term in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, North West Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital from March 02–May 27, 2018. A total of 495 mothers were included in the study. The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. A combination of chart review and interview were used to collect the data. Data entry and analysis were made by using Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS versions 23 respectively. Both descriptive & analytical statistics were computed. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05 and the strength of association was assessed by using adjusted odds ratio. Result The prevalence of meconium stained amniotic fluid was found to be 17.8%. Women whose age greater than 30 years [AOR =5.63, 95%CI =3.35–9.44], duration of labor greater than 24 h [AOR = 7.1, 95%Cl =1.67–29.68], induced labor [AOR = 2.60, 95% CI =1.39–4.87], preeclampsia [AOR = 3.45, 95%CI =1.26–9.37] and obstructed labor [AOR =5.9, 95%CI =1.29–29.68] were found to be associated with meconium stained amniotic fluid. Conclusions The prevalence of meconium stained amniotic fluid was similar as compared to the international standard. Preeclampsia, maternal age, obstructed labor, induced labor and longer duration of labor were factors associated with an increased risk for meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Thus, early detection and timely intervention are mandatory to decrease prolonged and obstructed labor

Clinicians’ satisfaction with laboratory services and associated factors at public health facilities in Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background Satisfaction has become a key measure of quality and an important tool for improvement. Laboratories are increasingly required to regularly assess satisfaction of their customers. This study aimed to assess clinicians’ satisfaction with laboratory services and associated factors at public health facilities. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Northeast Ethiopia from May to June 2019. Eight hospitals and 24 health centres were first selected using a stratified sampling method, and a total of 224 randomly selected clinicians were included. Satisfaction with multiple aspects of laboratory services was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, on a rating scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 points (very satisfied). Laboratory quality assessment was performed using WHO-AFRO’s stepwise accreditation checklist. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine the association between independent variables and clinicians’ overall satisfaction level using STATA ver14.1. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Overall, 72.8% of the clinicians were satisfied. Lowest mean ratings were obtained for the helpfulness of the laboratory handbook (3.3), provision of STAT/urgent services (3.7), and adequacy of tests provided (3.8). The clinicians’ timely receipt of results (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.0), notification of panic results (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.6), perceived quality/reliability of test results (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.5–6.3), and the laboratories’ rate of concordant malaria microscopy results (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.8–9.3), were significantly associated with satisfaction. Conclusions Nearly one-third of clinicians were not satisfied with the laboratory services. Laboratory managers should emphasize the timely communication of STAT/urgent and panic results, and the reliability of test results, to improve users’ satisfaction and overall quality of care

Viral Load Suppression after Enhanced Adherence Counseling and Its Predictors among High Viral Load HIV Seropositive People in North Wollo Zone Public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2019: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. The World Health Organization currently encourages enhanced adherence counseling for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive people with a high viral load count before a treatment switch to the second-line regimen, yet little is known about viral load suppression after the outcome of enhanced adherence counseling. Therefore, this study aimed to assess viral suppression after enhanced adherence counseling sessions and its predictors among high viral load HIV seropositive people. Methods. Institutional-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 235 randomly selected HIV seropositive people who were on ART and had a high viral load (>1000 copies/ml) from June 2016 to January 2019. The proportion of viral load suppression after enhanced adherence counseling was determined. Time to completion of counseling sessions and time to second viral load tests were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier curve. Log binomial regression was used to identify predictors of viral re-suppression after enhanced adherence counseling sessions. Result. The overall viral load suppression after enhanced adherence counseling was 66.4% (60.0–72.4). The median time to start adherence counseling session after high viral load detected date was 8 weeks (IQR 4–8 weeks), and the median time to complete the counseling session was 13 weeks (IQR 8–25 weeks). The probability of viral load suppression was higher among females (ARR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19) and higher educational status (ARR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.25–2.16). The probability of viral load suppression was lower among people who had 36–59 months duration on ART (ARR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.130–0.9491) and people who had > 10,000 baseline viral load count (ARR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28–0.71). Conclusion. This study showed that viral suppression after enhanced adherence counseling was near to the WHO target (70%) but highlights gaps in time to enrolment into counseling session, timely completion of counseling session, and repeat viral load testing after completing the session

Wind Energy Data Analysis and Resource Mapping of Geba Catchment, North Ethiopia

Wind energy potential in Ethiopia is estimated to be enormous due to local peculiar landscape situations. However, the country started to utilize the potential only very recently. One of the reasons for low utilization of wind energy in Ethiopia is the absence of reliable and accurate wind energy resource data. Development of reliable and accurate wind atlas helps to identify candidate sites for wind energy applications and facilitates the planning and implementation of wind energy projects. This paper presents wind energy data analysis and wind atlas of Geba catchment in North Ethiopia. The work reported in this paper is based on wind data collected over a period of one year from measuring masts in six different sites in Tigray, Ethiopia. The data was analyzed using various statistical software to evaluate the wind energy potential of the area. Average wind speed and power density, distribution of the wind prevailing direction, turbulence intensity and wind shear profile of each site were determined. Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Programme (WAsP) was used to generate the wind atlas of the area and to develop the wind speed and power density maps. The data analysis indicates that the average wind speed at 10 m above ground level (a.g.l.) varies from 3.7 m/s to 6.64 m/s. The mean power density at 10 m a.g.l varies from 64 W/m2 to 301 W/m2. The prevailing wind directions are East and South East directions. The wind resource map developed by WAsP at 50 m indicated that the catchment has good wind power potential having mean wind speed and power density of 6.5 m/s and 288 W/m2, respectively.status: publishe

Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis of factors associated with complete continuum of maternity care among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Mekane Selam town North-East Ethiopia, 2021(n = 469).

Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis of factors associated with complete continuum of maternity care among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Mekane Selam town North-East Ethiopia, 2021(n = 469).</p