ABSTRACT
To evaluate whether shoe-wearing affords foot protection among school children living in southern Ethiopia. Data collectors conducted a standardized foot assessment with children in an elementary school in southern Ethiopia [N = 168]. 54% reported wearing shoes consistently in the prior three days. Children wearing closed-toed shoes showed less adherent soil and toe nail dystrophy than those wearing open-toed sandals. There were no differences by shoe type with regard to signs of foot trauma or heel fissures. Shoe wearing provided limited foot protection. Interventions are needed to build behavioral skills, including foot washing and wearing appropriate shoes that maximize foot protection
ABSTRACT
Background: In Ethiopia 16.2of births are not wanted; 18.7of births are mistimed; and 90of adult cases of HIV are attributable to heterosexual activity. Dual protection is an important public health intervention in this context. Objective: To assess the extent and predictors of dual protection among married or cohabiting people in Northern Methodology: A community-based stratified cross-sectional survey of 868 married or cohabiting women and men; and four focus group discussions; were conducted in Adwa town; northern Ethiopia; in 2006. Results: 13.8of respondents practiced effective dual protection. Predictors included male sex; being literate; being employed; approval of condom use within marriage; and discussion of dual protection. Focus group participants emphasized the negative community perceptions associated with condom use within marriage. Conclusion: Use of dual protection was unusual in this North Ethiopian town. Condom use was uncommon among current hormonal contraceptive users; and condom use within marriage was highly stigmatized