Epidemiology and multiple colonization of gastrointestinal pathogens in rural Tanzanian children with and without diarrhea: A case-control study.

Diarrheal diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. The occurrence of multiple pathogens in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in resource-limited countries have been repeatedly described. In this study, we assessed the differentiated effects of combined pathogen detections on recorded symptoms. A case-control study was conducted among 620 under-five-year-old children in rural northeastern Tanzania with emphasis of multiple detection. The median age of children was 11 months (IQR = 7, 20), and 52.1% were male. Cases (50.2%, n = 157) were less likely than controls (64.5%, n = 198) to have multiple colonization with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathogens. The children's age was positively associated with the likelihood of harboring multiple GIT pathogens [OR, 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.04]. Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) [OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.62, 4.83] and norovirus [OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.23, 3.39] were more common in cases and were strongly associated with diarrhea, while enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) [OR = 0.23, 95%CI 0.17-0.33] were more common in controls. Diarrheal diseases in under-five children from rural Tanzania are likely to be due to infections with Shigella spp./EIEC, and norovirus with strongly age-dependent associations.

Molecular characterization of antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica across the poultry production chain in Costa Rica: A cross-sectional study.

Antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica are on the increase, worldwide. Given the scarcity of data, this study aimed to investigate its occurrence, virulence, and antibiotic resistance in Costa Rica's food chain. In total, 65 chicken meat- and 171 chicken caecal samples were collected and examined for Salmonella. High frequencies of Salmonella were found in chicken meat (58.5 %, n/N = 38/65) and poultry farms (38.0 %, n/N = 65/171). The majority of Salmonella from chicken meat (89.5 %, n/N = 34/38) and caecum samples (93.6 %, n/N = 59/63) exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Serovar Infantis was the most prevalent (94 %, n/N = 67/71), followed by serovars Anatum and Kentucky (3 %, n/N = 2/71). A pESI-like plasmid (92 %, n/N = 65/71) containing virulence and resistance markers was found in S. Infantis. Given the high prevalence of MDR Salmonella, this study emphasizes the need to enhance surveillance systems for foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in Costa Rica's food production chain.

Salmonella enterica in farm environments in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica are important foodborne pathogens and the third leading cause of death among diarrheal infections worldwide. This cross-sectional study investigated the frequency of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica in commercial and smallholder farm environments in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A total of 1490 environmental samples, comprising 800 (53.7%) soil (from poultry, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle farms), 409 (27.4%) pooled poultry fecal and 281 (18.9%) dust (from poultry farms) samples, were collected from 30 commercial and 64 smallholder farms. All samples were processed using standard culture methods. Isolates were identified by biochemical methods and confirmed using the VITEK 2 System. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by disk diffusion following the EUCAST guidelines. Serotyping was performed using the Kauffman White Le Minor Scheme. RESULTS: The overall Salmonella frequency was 6.0% (n/N = 90/1490); the frequency varied according to the type of sample collected and included: 8.9% for dust (n/N = 25/281), 6.5% for soil (n/N = 52/800) and 3.2% for pooled poultry fecal samples (n/N = 13/409). Salmonella was also recovered from commercial farm environments (8.6%, n/N = 68/793) than from smallholder farms (3.2%, n/N = 22/697) (PR = 2.7, CI: 1.7 - 4.4). Thirty-four different Salmonella serovars were identified, the two most common being Rubislaw (27.8%, n/N = 25/90) and Tamale (12.2%, n/N = 11/90). Serovar diversity was highest in strains from soil samples (70.6%, n/N = 24/34) compared to those found in the dust (35.2%, n/N = 12/34) and in fecal samples (29.4%, n/N = 10/34). Salmonella frequency was much higher in the rainy season (8.4%, n/N = 85/1007) than in the dry season (1.0%, n/N = 5/483) (PR = 8.4, 95% CI: 3.3 - 20.0). Approximately 14.4% (n/N = 13/90) of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the tested antimicrobials, with 84.6% (n/N = 11/13) being resistant to multiple antibiotics. All Salmonella Kentucky (n = 5) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: This study showed that farm environments represent an important reservoir for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, which warrants monitoring and good husbandry practices, especially in commercial farms during the rainy season, to control the spread of this pathogen.

Work-related Stress and Associated Factors among Academic Staffs at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-based Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related stress is described as a physiological and psychological reaction to the harmful aspects of workplace content. Current evidence indicates that the world of education is a highly stressful occupation. However, in academicians in sub-Saharan African countries, such as Ethiopia, the prevalence and contributing factors are not well studied. This study was, therefore, aimed at filling this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 535 study participants. To measure work-related stress, we used the pre-tested and structured self-administered University and College Union stress questionnaire. Finally, a significant association was established at p< 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the multivariable model. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of work-related stress in 12 months was 60.4% [95% CI (57.4, 63.5%)].The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that smoking cigarette (AOR: 2.84, 95% CI (1.25, 6.50), high job demand (AOR: 3.27, 95% CI (2.05, 5.21), low job control (AOR:2.25, 95% CI (1.21, 4.20) and age < 28 (AOR:0.25, 95% CI (0.10, 0.63) were the factors associated with work-related stress. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of work-related stress was high. Furthermore, higher emphasis required on job demand, job control, and cigarette smoking to ease the burden of work-related stress factors. This research, therefore, recommended that other causes of WRS, such as working conditions and further large-scale study, be considered for future research.

Intestinal parasitic infections and determinant factors among school-age children in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among school-age children in Sebeya primary school, northern Ethiopia, 2017. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in school-age children was (29.9%). A total of six parasites were detected in this study. E. histolytica/dispar 19.43% (82/422) and G. lamblia 8.29% (35/422) were the predominant ones. Unclean fingernail (AOR = 1.72), defecating in the open field (AOR = 2.82), and being barefooted (AOR = 1.72) were the determinant factors for intestinal parasitic infections. Frequently washing hands reduced the chance of infections by 68%. Furthermore, children in grade 1-4 and 5-6 had higher odds developing the infections than those in grade 7-8 (AOR = 8.21 and AOR = 2.50, respectively).

The impact of work-related risk factors on the development of neck and upper limb pain among low wage hotel housekeepers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major source of disability accounting for considerable economic loss globally. Studies showed that housekeepers suffer from exposure to many high-risk factors for neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. In Ethiopia, little is known and the information is limited in scope about the magnitude of the problem among hotel housekeepers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of the neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and identify the associated risk factors among hotel housekeepers. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 1 to May 20, 2017. Systematic random sampling was used to select 422 study participants among the Gondar town hotels, Ethiopia. The standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms was used to measure the neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The overall magnitude of a self-reported neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among hotel housekeepers in the last 12 months was 62.8% (95% CI 58.3, 67.8). The main body areas of concern were neck pain (50.7%), shoulder pain (54%), elbow/forearm (47.2%), and hand/wrist (45.5%). Age, rest break taken, repetitive movement, reaching/overstretching, organization concern for health and safety, and job satisfaction were the risk factors significantly associated with neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of hotel housekeepers were found to be affected by neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Gondar town. Repetitive movement and reaching/overstretching were strongly associated risk factors with neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, ergonomic, organizational and personal measures, which focus on minimizing repetitive movement and awkward working position and facilitating rest break with exercise, are important to tackle neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among hotel housekeepers.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors among Computer Users in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Globally, computer is one of the common office tools used in various institutions. Using computer for prolonged time led to the users at greater health risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome is the leading occupational health problem of the twenty-first century. About 70 percent of computer users are suffered from CVS. Besides the health problems, CVS causes inefficiency at workplace and deteriorate quality of work. The problem of CVS and its risk factors are not well known in Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of CVS and associated factors among computer user government employees in Debre Tabor town from February to March, 2016. Multistage random sampling method was applied to select 607 study participants, and the data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Computer vision syndrome was measured by self-reported method. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of CVS was 422 (69.5%) with 95% CI of 65.60, 73.0%. Blurred vision, eyestrain, and eye irritation were the commonest reported symptoms of CVS with proportion of 62.60%, 47.63%, and 47.40%, respectively. Occupation: officer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.74) and secretary (AOR = 9.17), daily computer usage (AOR: 2.29), and preexisting eye disease (AOR = 3.19) were risk factors for CVS. However, computer users with high payment, who took regular health break, and with good knowledge on computer safety measures were less impacted by CVS. Conclusion: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was found to be higher in Debre Tabor town. Monthly income, occupation, daily computer usage, regular health break, knowledge, and preexisting eye disease were predictor variables for CVS. Optimizing exposure time, improving awareness on safety measures, and management support are important to tackle CVS.

Level of Faecal Coliform Contamination of Drinking Water Sources and Its Associated Risk Factors in Rural Settings of North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Today, close to a billion people mostl living in the developing world do not have access to safe and adequate water. Several studies in Ethiopia indicate that the majority of the drinking water sources had coliform count beyond the WHO standard. Therefore, Regular quality control mechanisms need to be in place. The objective of this study is therefore to determine the level of faecal coliform contamination of drinking water and its associated factors in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural parts of North Gondar Zone from April to July, 2016. Water samples were taken from water sources using standardized water sampling techniques. Face-to-face interview with structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic and behavioral data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 736 households participated in the study. The prevalence of positive faecal coliform at water sources in North Gondar Zone was found to be 56.5% (n=416) with [95% CI (53-60)]. In multivariate analysis, educational status [(AOR): 0.28, 95% CI (0.1-0.8], sanitary risk of contamination [AOR): 513, 95%CI (51-511)] and water shortage experience [AOR: 0.25, 95% CI (0.12-0.5)] are variables identified as predictors for faecal coliform contamination of water in the source. CONCLUSION: In this study, the prevalence of positive faecal coliform at water source was high. Educational status, sanitary Risk of contamination at the water source, water shortage experience had significant associations with the presence of faecal coliform in drinking water sources.

Cotton dust exposure and self-reported respiratory symptoms among textile factory workers in Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cotton dust induced respiratory disorders are dramatically increased over the globe, especially the problem is serious in developing countries. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic bronchitis, and byssinosis are common among workers exposed to cotton dust. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of the problem is not well known and information is limited about the risk factors. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors. METHODS: A Comparative cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 413 (276 exposed and 137 unexposed) participants were included in the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select exposed and unexposed groups to cotton dust respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses was performed to identify variables associated with respiratory symptoms and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to determine the strength of associations. Significance level was obtained at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was 47.8% (95% CI: 41.3, 53.7%) and 15.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 22.3%) among exposed and control groups respectively. Sex (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.45), service year (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.71) and ventilation (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.91) were factors significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, working department such as; ginning (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.13, 12.16), spinning (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.18, 11.29), weaving (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.46, 14.27) and blowing working departments (AOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.4, 18.94) were significantly associated with respiratory disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was higher among workers exposed to cotton dust than unexposed workers. Sex, service year, working department and work unit ventilation were predictor variables for respiratory symptoms. Thus, reducing exposure to dust, adequate ventilation and improving the hygiene of working departments are needed to reduce respiratory symptoms.

High antiretroviral therapy service delivery satisfaction and its' associated factors at Midre-genet hospital; Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Patient's satisfaction occurs when patients feel their needs and expectations are being meet by the service delivery they receive in health institutions. The Objective of this research was to assess HIV/AIDS patients' satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy service delivery and its associated factors at Midre - Genet hospital, Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Four hundred twenty study respondents were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested, structured interview questionnaire. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify potential significantly associated variables and transferred to multivariate logistic regression analysis. P value < 0.05 is used to demarcate significantly associated variables. RESULT: The overall HIV/AIDS patients'satisfaction on antiretroviral therapy service delivery at Midre-Genet referral hospital was 75.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed age, marital status, occupation, income, information provision and guidance, privacy, access of toilets and interpersonal communication as significantly associated factors with patient's satisfaction on ART service delivery. CONCLUSION: The overall HIV/AIDS patients' satisfaction at Midre-Genet referral hospital was high. Age, marital status, occupation and, income was associated factors. Moreover, lack of functional CD4 machine, inaccessibility of toilets and water, waiting time, inadequate counseling services and lack of qualified health worker (Doctor) in the ART clinic were also challenges for ART patients in the hospital.

Self-reported safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery share company, Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: According to International Labor Organization (ILO), occupational accidents and work-related diseases are the causes for millions of deaths of workers every year. In addition, many millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries and illnesses. This research was conceived with aim to assess safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery Share Company, Ethiopia. METHOD: Institutionalbased cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the level of self-reported safety practice and associated factors from February to March 2016, among Dashen brewery workers. Stratified sampling method was employed to select 415 study participants and the data was collected by using structured interview-administer questionnaire. Observational checklist was also used to ascertain the response given by interviewee. RESULTS: Fourhundred 15 respondent were involved in this study. Of those individuals, almost three fourth (74.2%) of the participants were male and 43.4% of participants were single. Mean (SD) age of respondents were 28.18 (±8.67) years and half of the respondents (49.9%) were diploma holders. The finding of this study indicated that 87.2% of the respondents reported complying with good safety practice. Age, marital status, employment status, attitude, safety and health training, and management support were found to be main predictors for safety practices. CONCLUSION: The level of self-reported safety practice in this study was good. Management commitment on safety and training of the employees about safety and health is very important and should be provided regularly.

Work related injury among Saudi Star Agro Industry workers in Gambella region, Ethiopia; a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Work injury is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, much of these work injuries burden can be found in industry required heavy manual work such as, agriculture and fishers. Hence; agriculture is consistently cited as one of the most hazardous industry in the world. The objective of this study isto assess the magnitude and associated factors of work related injury among Saudi Star Agro Industry workers in Gambella region, South West Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted on Saudi Star Agro Industry located in Gambella region, from February - June 2014 on 449 randomly selected workers who arestratifiedby working department. Anobservation checklist, factory clinical records and a structured interview questioner were used as a data collection tools. RESULT: The prevalence of work related injury was 36.7%. Marital status [AOR;1.69, 95%; CI;(1.1-2.7)], service year [AOR;1.9,95%; CI;(1.17-3.1)], working more than 48 h per week [AOR;9.87, 95%; CI;(5.95-16.28)],safety training [AOR;3.38, 95%;CI;1.14-9.98)], regular health checkup [AOR; 12.29, 95%; CI (9-51.35)] and usage of personal protective equipment [AOR; 2.36, 95%; CI; (1.06-5.25)] were significant factors for the occurrence of work related injury. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of work related injury was high. Working hours, safety training and regular health checkup increases the risk of work related injury.

Latrine utilization and associated factors among people living in rural areas of Denbia district, Northwest Ethiopia, 2013, a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: In Ethiopia up to 60% of the current disease burden is attributable to poor sanitation. Latrine facility coverage is increasing since Health Extension Program started, whereas less attention to quality and utilization of latrine facilities in rural Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study design with multistage sampling technique was employed to collect data from total of 806 households. RESULTS: A total of 801 households with latrines were assessed for their latrine utilization status. The extent of latrine utilization among 490 (61.2%) households was satisfactory. Presence of ≤5 children (AOR: 0.379, 95% CI :( 0.196, 0.732)), job of mothers (being farmer) (AOR: 0.321, 95%CI :( 0.136, 0.757)) and rare cleaning frequency (AOR: 0.055, 95% CI :( 0.005, 0.620)) were a factor negatively associated with latrine utilization. Whereas the presence of secondary school children (AOR: 3.739, 95% CI (1.884, 7.419), educational status of mothers (AOR: 2.437, 95% CI (1.032, 5.756), latrine constructed for the second time (AOR: 2.676, 95% CI :( 1.352, 5.299)), presence of door (AOR: 3.201, 95% CI: (1.437, 7.130)), the hygienic condition of latrine (AOR: 4.327, 95% CI: (2.05, 9.134)) were factors positively associated with latrine utilization. CONCLUSION: Latrine utilization rate of household latrines was satisfactory. The presence of ≤5 years children, job of mother (farmer), educational status of mothers, presence of secondary school student, the presence of the door, frequency of latrine construction, and hygienic condition of latrine were significant predictors of latrine utilization.

Factors affecting food handling practices among food handlers of Dangila town food and drink establishments, North West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Food borne diseases are major health problems in developed and developing countries including Ethiopia. The problem is more noticeable in developing countries due to prevailing poor food handling and sanitation practices, inadequate food safety laws, weak regulatory systems, lack of financial resources to invest on safer equipments, and lack of education for food handlers. METHODS: The objective of this study was to assess food handling practice and associated factors among food handlers working in food and drinking establishments of Dangila town, North West Ethiopia. Cross-sectional quantitative study design was conducted among 406 food handlers working in 105 food and drink establishments from July to August 2013 in Dangila town. Data were collected using face to face interview with pretested structured questionnaire and physical observation. RESULT: The mean age of the respondents was 22.7 ± 4.2 years of which 62.8% of the food handlers were females. Two hundred thirteen (52.5%) of food handlers had good food handling practices. Marital status (AOR = 7.52, 95% CI, 1.45-38.97), monthly income (AOR = 0.395, 95% CI, 0.25-0.62), knowledge about food handling (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.05-2.73), existence of shower facility (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI, 1.12-3.21) and separate dressing room (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI, 1.11-3.49) were found to be significantly associated with good food handling Practices. CONCLUSION: Above half of food handlers had good food handling practices. Marital status, monthly income, knowledge status, existence of shower facility, existence of separate dressing room and presence of insect and rodent were factors associated with food handling Practices.