Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among undergraduate health science students: a cross-sectional study

Background: We already know that incorporating information and Communication technology (ICT) into every aspect of human activity result in significant change and makes tasks easier to complete. It can help in areas of healthcare systems and medical education. Therefore, this study aimed to assess utilization ICT and its associated factors among Arba Minch University College Medicine and Health Science students. Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted in June through August 2021 among under graduate students in college of medicine and health science at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on the students’ socio-demographic factors as well as the utilization ICT. The data entry form was prepared with Epi-data 3.1 versions software and STATA version 14 software was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 355 participants enrolled in the study, with a response rate of 98.34%. The percentage of students who used ICT was 55.77% [95% CI, 0.50, 0.60]. Regarding of field of study, health informatics students (84%) used the most ICT, while midwifery students (52%) used the least. Urban resident [AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.08, 3.16], ICT knowledge [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.25, 6.40], having formal training of ICT [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.06,3.48], having IT in current course study [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.23, 3.84], and had good IT skill [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.34, 4.23] revealed a significant and positive correlation with the use of ICT. Conclusion: In the current study previous residence, ICT knowledge, having formal training, having IT in current courses, and IT skill were significantly associated with student ICT utilization. Therefore, the university should continue to invest in professional development in order to improve teaching and student performance, as well as provide the college with student-centered ICT computer labs to encourage students to use technology

Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella isolated from humans, animals, abattoir equipment and environment

Abattoir environments and poor slaughtering practices could serve as source of contamination with Salmonella species and their antimicrobial resistant genes, thereby affecting the animal-origin food system, and public health. This study aimed to isolate, and molecularly detect Salmonella species from humans, slaughtered animals, and from slaughtering equipment and environment, as well as to assess antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella isolates. A cross-sectional study was conducted at three abattoir settings, from September 2020 to February 2021. A total of 240 pooled swab samples were collected from the hands and cloths of abattoir workers, slaughtering areas, knives and from carcass; including water samples. Bacteriological techniques were employed to isolate presumed Salmonella species; while conventional and multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were performed to confirm the genus Salmonella, Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium. The Kirby-Buaer disk diffusion method was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility of confirmed Salmonella isolates. Based on bacteriological and biochemical tests, an overall 9.2 %(22/240) of Salmonella species were isolated, out of which 40.9 %(9/22) were found containing histidine transport operon gene. Among the nine Salmonella isolates, eight, six, six, five, and four isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, cefoxitin, tetracycline, Co-trimoxazole, and doxycycline hydrochloride, respectively. Furthermore, six of the Salmonella isolates showed multidrug resistance. The study showed presence of potential contamination of abattoir settings with antimicrobial resistant Salmonella isolates. With existing poor hygiene and sanitation practices, this might indicate risks for people consuming meat and for animals having access to contaminated environments