ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the knowledge of healthcare workers on the measles vaccine and its cold chain management. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 30, 2022 in Gondar City Administration public health institutions among 165 healthcare workers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. In addition, an on-spot observation checklist was used to assess the availability, status and management of the cold chain. A logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between the outcome and predictor variables. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Overall, 87 (52.7%; 95% Cl 44.8%-60.5%) of the healthcare workers had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding the measles vaccine and its cold chain management. One hundred thirty-six (82.4%) healthcare workers correctly mentioned the recommended range of temperature (2-8 °C) for measles vaccine storage. Healthcare workers aged 18-29 years (P=0.001) and 30-44 years (P=0.014) were observed as determinants of unsatisfactory knowledge on the measles vaccine and its cold chain management. One hundred and five (63.6%) of the healthcare workers did not correctly mention the type of measles vaccine used in routine immunization. More than one-third (36.4%) of the healthcare workers perceived that the measles vaccine is not safe and could cause measles. Conclusions: More than half of the healthcare workers in the study area had unsatisfactory knowledge on the measles vaccine and its cold chain management. It is necessary to provide technical support and in-service training for healthcare workers to ensure optimal immunization effectiveness.
ABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a major public health problem among immuno-compromised individuals. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women with and out HIV infections. This cross sectional study was conducted among consecutive 385 pregnant women attended Antenatal Clinic from May 2010 to October 2011 at the Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Venous blood was collected from each pregnant woman for testing HIV-1/2 and anti- Toxoplasmaantibodies using rapid test kits. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. The overall magnitude of T. gondii and HIV was 88.6% [341/385] and 11.2% [43/385], respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was not different among HIV infected and non-infected pregnant women [88.4%, 38/ 43 vs. 88.6%, 303/342]. Keeping cats in house showed statistically significant association with seropositivity of toxoplasmosis [P<0.05]. Irrespective of HIV infection, high rate of T. gondii was detected among pregnant women. These high prevalences indicate the need for an intensified public health awareness to reduce both infections