Factors Affecting the Presence of Adequately Iodized Salt at Home in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Study

Background. Universal use of iodized salt is a simple and inexpensive method to prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders like mental retardation. However, little is known about the level of adequately iodized salt consumption in the study area. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the proportion of households having adequately iodized salt and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10 to 20, 2016, in 441 households in Sodo town and its peripheries. Samples were selected using the systematic sampling technique. An iodometric titration method (AOAC, 2000) was used to analyze the iodine content of the salt samples. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 16, respectively. Result. The female to male ratio of the respondents was 219. The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 (±7.3 SD). The proportion of households having adequately iodized salt was 37.7%, with 95% CI of 33.2% to 42.2%. Not exposing salt to sunlight with [OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.14, 6.57], higher monthly income [OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97–7.01], and formal education of respondents with [OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.70] were found associated with the presence of adequately iodized salt at home. Conclusion. This study revealed low levels of households having adequately iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries. The evidence here shows that there is a need to increase the supply of adequately iodized salt to meet the goal for monitoring progress towards sustainable elimination of IDD

Why Do Some Ethiopian Women Give Birth at Home after Receiving Antenatal Care? Phenomenological Study

Background. In Ethiopia, majority (62%) of pregnant women receive at least one antenatal follow-up, yet only 26% give birth in health facility. Understanding factors underlying this high uptake of antenatal care and low institutional delivery service is critical. Women had antenatal care follow-up means; by default they have access to health facilities. Thus, why do some give birth at home even after receiving antenatal care? Methods. Fourteen key informant interviews and six focused group discussions were held among purposively selected women who gave birth in the last 12 months without skilled attendance after receiving antenatal care. The study explored women’s perspectives on maternity care, care providers, and factors that influence place of delivery. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to examine various behaviors and beliefs of respondents. Results. Study participants described range of experiences and beliefs that made them give birth at home after receiving antenatal care at health facilities. Four themes emerged from women’s description: poor counseling during antenatal care service, traditions, early pregnancy symptoms, and lack of planning in advance for childbirth. Conclusion. Poor counseling during antenatal care is deterring women from seeking skilled attendance at birth. Thus, healthcare providers need to stress necessity of facility based delivery care during antenatal follow-up counseling

I knew how it feels but couldn’t save my daughter; testimony of an Ethiopian mother on female genital mutilation/cutting

Abstract Background World Health Organization defines female genital mutilation/cutting as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is common in Ethiopia, especially among Somali (99%) ethnic groups. Even though FGM/C is labeled illegal practice according to the revised 2005 Penal Code of the country, the practice is still responsible for misery of many girls in Ethiopia. Methods This personal testimony is presented using woman’s own words. Data were collected through in-depth interview with a woman at Gursum health center, Somali regional state, eastern Ethiopia on June 19/2016. The interview was conducted in a private environment and original names were changed to overcome ethical concerns. Informed written consent was obtained from the participant prior to data collection. The interview was audio-taped using a digital voice recorder, later transcribed and translated verbatim from the local language, Amharic to English. Results The study participant described a range of experiences she had during her own and her daughter’s circumcision. Three themes emerged from the woman’s description: womanhood, social pressure and stigmatization of uncircumcised women and uncertain future. Conclusion Even though the national prevalence may show a decline, FGM/C is still practiced underground. Thus, anti-FGM/C interventions shall take in to account elders influence and incorporate a human rights approach rather than relying merely on the dire health consequences. Further exploration of the determinants of FGM/C on a wider scale is recommended

Experience of Facility Based Childbirth in Rural Ethiopia: An Exploratory Study of Women’s Perspective

Background. In Ethiopia, majority (62%) of pregnant women attend antenatal care at least once, yet only 26% deliver with skilled birth attendants in the available health units. Thus, this study explored beliefs and behaviors related to labour and skilled attendance among the women, their perspectives on health care providers, and traditional birth attendants. Methods. Sixteen key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions were conducted among purposively selected women who had previous experience of facility based childbirth but gave birth to their most recent child without skilled attendance in the last 12 months. Thematic content analysis was used to elicit and assess the various perspectives of each group of participants interviewed. Findings. The study participants described a range of experiences they had during childbirth at health facilities that forced them to choose home delivery in their most recent delivery. Three themes and six subthemes emerging from women’s description were abusive and disrespectful treatment, unskilled care, poor client provider interaction, noncontinuous care, lack of privacy, and traditional practices. Conclusion. The abuse and disrespect from providers are deterring women from seeking skilled attendance at birth. Thus the health care providers need to improve client provider relationships

Predictors of job satisfaction among nurses working in Ethiopian public hospitals, 2014: institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nurses play a pivotal role in determining the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of health care systems. Nurses’ job satisfaction plays an important role in the delivery of quality health care. There is paucity of studies addressing job satisfaction among nurses in the public hospital setting in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess job satisfaction and factors influencing it among nurses in Jimma zone public hospitals, southwestern Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based census was conducted among 316 nurses working in Jimma zone public hospitals from March to April, 2014. A structured self-administered questionnaire based on a modified version of the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale was used. Data were entered using Epi Info version 3.5.3 statistical software and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Mean satisfaction scores were compared by independent variables using an independent sample t test and ANOVA. Bivariate and multivariable linear regressions were done. Results A total of 316 nurses were included, yielding a response rate of 92.67%. The overall mean job satisfaction was (67.43 ± 13.85). One third (33.5%) of the study participants had a low level of job satisfaction. Mutual understandings at work and professional commitment showed significant and positive relationship with overall job satisfaction, while working at an inpatient unit and work load were negatively associated. Conclusions One third of nurses had a low level of job satisfaction. Professional commitment, workload, working unit, and mutual understanding at work predicted the outcome variable

Care providers' perspectives on disrespect and abuse of women during facility-based childbirth in Africa:A qualitative systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available qualitative evidence to understand healthcare providers' views on disrespect and abuse of women during facility-based childbirth in Africa. INTRODUCTION: Everyday, approximately 800 women die from preventable pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes worldwide; poorer women living in developing countries comprise 99% of these deaths. Maternal mortality has no single cause or solution, but the most effective preventive strategy is ensuring that every woman gives birth in an equipped health facility with the help of skilled providers. Yet, many women decline to attend facility-based delivery, often due to disrespect and abuse received during childbirth. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This systematic review will consider studies that include views of care providers regarding disrespect and abuse of women in birthing facilities, including verbal, physical and sexual abuse; stigma; discrimination; substandard care; neglect; and trust and communication problems. Qualitative studies that relate to Africa published in English from 1990 will be included. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, African Index Medicus and Web of Science, and selected gray literature sources, will be searched for eligible papers. Titles and abstracts of obtained documents will be assessed by the lead reviewer against the inclusion criteria. Identified documents will then be appraised for relevance and rigor by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers and graded according to the ConQual approach.Yohannes Mehretie Adinew, Helen Hall, Amy Marshall, Janet Kell

Factors Affecting the Presence of Adequately Iodized Salt at Home in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Study

BACKGROUND: Universal use of iodized salt is a simple and inexpensive method to prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders like mental retardation. However, little is known about the level of adequately iodized salt consumption in the study area. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the proportion of households having adequately iodized salt and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10 to 20, 2016, in 441 households in Sodo town and its peripheries. Samples were selected using the systematic sampling technique. An iodometric titration method (AOAC, 2000) was used to analyze the iodine content of the salt samples. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 16, respectively. RESULT: The female to male ratio of the respondents was 219. The mean age of the respondents was 30.2 (±7.3 SD). The proportion of households having adequately iodized salt was 37.7%, with 95% CI of 33.2% to 42.2%. Not exposing salt to sunlight with [OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.14, 6.57], higher monthly income [OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97–7.01], and formal education of respondents with [OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.70] were found associated with the presence of adequately iodized salt at home. CONCLUSION: This study revealed low levels of households having adequately iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo town and its peripheries. The evidence here shows that there is a need to increase the supply of adequately iodized salt to meet the goal for monitoring progress towards sustainable elimination of IDD

Stunting and Its Determinants among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Stunting reflects chronic undernutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development in early life. The study was aimed at assessing the magnitude of stunting and associated factors among children aged 6–59 month in central Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 children aged between 6 and 59 months. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered using EPI INFO version 3.5.1, and analysis was done by SPSS version 21 and ENA, 2007 software for anthropometric calculation. World Health Organization standard 2006 was used to analyse anthropometric data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were also carried out to identify predictors of stunting. Statistical significance was declared at p<0.05 and 95% CI. Results. Overall magnitude of stunting was 52.4 (95% CI: 47.6–57.2). Being female (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.503–5.099), belonging to age group of 25–59 months (AOR: 4, 95% CI: 1.881–8.424) and birth weight of <2.5 kg (AOR: 5, 95% CI: 1.450–17.309), mothers' lack of ANC visits (AOR: 3.2 95% CI: 1.40–7.10), and mistimed complementary feeding initiation (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.266–4.606) were positively associated with child stunting, whereas educational status of the mother (AOR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.001–0.063) showed negative association. Conclusion. Stunting was a highly prevalent problem in the study area. Low weight at birth, female sex, older age, mistimed initiation of complimentary feeding, and mothers’ lack of ANC visit were found to have significant relation with children’s chronic malnutrition. Thus, interventions shall effectively address those factors to alleviate the problem

Diarrhea Prevention Practice and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Enemay District, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Diarrhea is the leading cause of mortality among infants and children younger than 5 years of age in both underdeveloped and developing countries. Factors determining the occurrence of diarrhea in children are complex, and the relative contribution of each factor varies as a function of interaction between socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral variables. Objectives. To assess diarrhea prevention practice and associated factors of diarrheal disease among caregivers who have under-five children in Enemay district, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study was done from June 1–30, 2018, among 398 caregivers who have under-five children, in the Enemay district that were selected by using the simple random sampling technique. A structured and pretested data collection tool was used to collect the data. Data were entered using EPI DATA version 4.2, and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical package to be cleaned and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was done to describe study participants, and logistic regression (bivariable and multivariable) analysis was done to identify factors that have association with the dependent variable. The P value was less than 0.05. Results. A total of 398 with a response rate of 97% under-five caregivers were participated in this study. Nearly, half (48.7%) of the participants were in the age group 25–34. The study revealed that good practice of diarrhea prevention was 52.8%. This study was also identified that occupation (AOR: 3.922, 95% CI: 1.593, 9.657), family size (AOR: 0.088, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.916), and understanding on diarrhea (AOR: 0.237, 95% CI: 0.091, 0.613) were associated factors of diarrhea prevention practice of under-five children caregivers. Conclusion. This finding showed that diarrhea prevention practice among under-five children caregivers was low and prevention practice was significantly associated with caregivers’ awareness on frequency of diarrhea in a day, occupation, and family size in a house