Estimating gestational age using the anthropometric measurements of newborns in North Shewa Zone public hospitals, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: The accurate estimation of gestational age is crucial in identifying prematurity and other health problems in newborns and in providing appropriate perinatal care. Although there are numerous methods for measuring gestational age, they are not always applicable. During these situations, it becomes challenging to ascertain whether a baby has been born prematurely or not. Therefore, this study aims to estimate gestational age by utilizing newborn anthropometric parameters. Purpose: The objective of this study is to estimate the gestational age of newborns in public hospitals located in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, by using anthropometric parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a facility from February 2022 to April 2022, using an interview-based questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric parameters that were measured include foot length (FL), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and chest and head circumference (CHC). The study's sample size had a total of 420 participants. The data were cleaned, edited, manually checked for completeness, and entered into Epi-data version 3.1. Subsequently, the data were transferred into SPSS for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regressions. Finally, the data were presented using statements and tables. Results: There is a significant and positive correlation between anthropometric parameters, including head circumference (r: 0.483), MUAC (r: 0.481), foot length (r: 0.457), and chest circumference (r: 0.482) with gestational age. All anthropometric parameters demonstrated positive and significant estimates of gestational age. The combination of the four measurements yielded the strongest estimate of gestational age. Gestational age can be calculated by the formula: Gestational age (Weeks) = 9.78 + 0.209*CHC + 0.607*MUAC + 0.727*FL + 0.322*HC. Conclusion: Gestational age can be measured using head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, foot length, and chest circumference. Utilizing the four anthropometric parameters in combination exhibits greater efficacy in estimating gestational age than using them individually. Therefore, it is recommended to use these alternative approaches when standard methods are not applicable.

The Effect of Transformational and Transactional Leadership Styles on Organizational Readiness for Change Among Health Professionals.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transformational and transactional leadership styles on organizational readiness for change among health professionals in the case of selected public hospitals in the North Showa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods: The institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed for one month in April 2021. The data were collected from a sample of 212 subordinate health professional staffs. Multi-factor leadership surveys and organizational readiness for change questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis, run on the SPSS 23 version. Pearson correlation and multiple regressions were used. Multiple regression results were expressed using the statistical values R2 and ß-coefficient. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value of <.05. Result: The Pearson product correlation of organizational readiness for change was found to be low positive and statistically significant for both transformational leadership behavior (r = .49, P < .01) and transactional leadership behavior (r = .39, P < .01). Both transformational leadership behavior (t = 5.32, P = .00) and transactional leadership behavior (t = 2.08, P = .034) were found to be significant contributors to the variance of organizational readiness for change among health professionals, according to the findings. However, transformational leadership behavior style appears to make a more significant contribution (ß = 0.39) than transactional leadership style (ß = 0.15) in predicting organizational readiness for change among health professionals. Conclusion: The study revealed that whenever transformational and/or transactional leadership behaviors are exhibited by the administrative staff, readiness for organizational change (commitment and efficacy) increases among health professionals. The study also concluded that a quarter of the readiness for organizational change can be affected by the two leadership styles.

The importance of compassion and respectful care for the health workforce: a mixed-methods study.

Background: Compassionate and respectful care (CRC) is an essential element for health care providers (HCPs), which builds a positive environment and intimacy among health care professionals, patients, and families. However, there is a lack of studies examining the prevalence of and factors associated with compassionate and respectful care practice in low-resource countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice of compassionate and respectful care and its associated factors among the health workforce (HWF). Methods: This mixed-methods study was conducted through quantitative and qualitative data collection from April to May 2019 in North Shewa Zone health care facilities (NSHFs). For quantitative analysis, participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Participants for qualitative analysis were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data entries were made by EpiData version 3.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associated factors. Thematic analysis was carried out for qualitative data. Results: A total of 392 HWF responded to a self-administered survey, and 72 participants participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Four categories of themes emerged: definition/knowledge, barriers, benefit, and leadership will. The prevalence of compassionate and respectful care practices was 38.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Female gender, health officer role, having a monthly salary equal to or greater than 5000 Ethiopian birr, and a positive attitude were significantly associated with compassionate care practice. The age category of 30-39, positive attitude, and ensuring a safe and clean care environment were significantly associated with respectful care practice. Conclusion: Compassionate and respectful care among HWF requires an actual demonstration of humanity and kindness to promote person-centered practice for their clients. Therefore, the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health should emphasize CRC continuity by including it in the health care curriculum, improving the health care ethics skill gap, designing appropriate policy to reduce workload, and promoting patient rights.

Sexual violence and adverse reproductive health outcomes among youth females in North Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of sexual violence, its adverse reproductive health outcomes, and associated factors among female youth in the Northern Shoa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 590 female youth from 1 December to 30 January 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique and a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire were used. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then transferred to SPSS 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, and an association between an outcome variable and independent variables was examined in logistic regression models. Results: According to the study, the respective rates of sexual violence and harmful sexual reproductive consequences were 20.7% and 11.9%. Sexual violence was significantly associated with alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 2.549, 95% confidence interval = (1.548, 4.195)) and childhood exposure to inter-parental violence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval = (1.002, 2.888)). Rural childhood residence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.037, 95% confidence interval = (0.007, 0.192)), fathers with college degrees (adjusted odds ratio = 0.037, 95% confidence interval = (0.013, 0.106)), and readiness for first sex (adjusted odds ratio = 0.073, 95% confidence interval = (0.028, 0.189)) were all independent predictors of adverse reproductive health outcomes. Conclusion: In this study, young females frequently experience sexual violence and poor reproductive health outcomes. Alcohol consumption and having experienced parental conflict as a child were found to be risk factors for sexual violence, while residing contracts during childhood, the father's level of education, and willingness to engage in the first sexual encounter were linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Neonatal care practice and associated factors among mothers of infants 0-6 months old in North Shewa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Worldwide, the magnitudes of neonatal mortality are estimated to be about 3 million due to insufficient care. The burden of neonatal mortality is high in Ethiopia as compared to high and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the neonatal care practice and associated factors among mothers of infants 0-6 months old in Northern Shewa, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken on a mother living in the North Shewa zone from September 2019 to June 2020. Neonatal care practice was assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) minimum neonatal care package indicators. Over the study period, a total of 245 (62.0%) mothers had a good neonatal care practice. Being urban areas [AOR 5.508, 95% CI 2.170, 13.984], having ANC follow-up [AOR 3.042, 95% CI 1.031, 12.642], lack of adequate information [AOR 0.123, 95% CI 0.054, 0.282] and post-natal care (PNC) [AOR 5.779, 95% CI 2.315, 14.425] were predictors of good neonatal care practice. In our study, there was moderate neonatal care practice among mothers. Therefore, all elements of neonatal care packages should be studied at large.

Magnitude and associated factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Northern oromia hospitals, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Globally sepsis is the most cause of neonatal death. Neonatal sepsis is the major newborn killer in Ethiopia, which accounts for more than one-third of neonatal deaths. Therefore, the study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed on a total of 378 neonates admitted to the NICU of selected four hospitals. It was conducted from January 2021 to March 2021. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis. Results: Among neonates who enrolled in this study 188(50.1%) of them were females and 283 (75.5%) of them were in the age group of early neonatal period. The overall magnitude of neonatal sepsis in this study was 196(52.27%). From this 159(81.12%) and 37(18.88%) of neonates developed early onset neonatal sepsis and late onset neonatal sepsis, respectively. Factors such as age of neonates[AOR = 2.351, 95% CI (1.131, 4.888)], birth weight of neonate less than 2.5 kg[AOR = 2.546, 95% CI (1.875, 3.643)], multiple per digital vaginal examination[AOR =0.278, 95% CI (0.148,0.522)], history of urinary tract infection[AOR = 3.709, 95% CI (1.828-7.301)], Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF)[AOR = 0.384, 95% CI (0.152, 0.968)] and intrapartum high fever[AOR = 2.203, 95% CI (1.034, 4.692)] were the independent determinants of neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: This study indicated that the magnitude of neonatal sepsis was found to be high. In general, this study has found that both maternal and neonatal factors had contributed to the risk of neonatal sepsis. Based on these results we recommend the healthcare providers to focus on the prevention of risk factors rather than treating the disease after it occurs.

Infant and young child feeding practice among mothers of children age 6 to 23 months in Debrelibanos district, North Showa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice is the leading cause of malnutrition in children. Data is needed to identify children at risk of poor feeding practice and to target interventions to improve IYCF practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess IYCF practice and associated factors among mothers of children age 6 to 23 months in Debrelibanos district, north Showa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 380 mothers of children age 6 to 23 months from March 1 to April 5, 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that had been pretested. The data was entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and then transferred to SPSS 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, and an association between an outcome variable and independent variables was examined in logistic regression models. RESULT: Overall, 65.8% of mothers practiced appropriate IYCF practice. The study revealed that 70.5% of children started breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and 61.6% were breastfed exclusively for six months. Among studied mothers, 79.5% continued to breastfeed their children until 2 years, and 69.2% of the participants started complementary feeding timely at six months. Minimum dietary diversity was observed in 19.2% of children, while minimum meal frequency was found in 79.2%. The majority of mothers (77.6%) fed their babies with bottles. Mother's educational status of primary school [AOR = 4.50, 95% CI: (1.38,14.61)], husband's occupation being merchant [AOR = 6.45, 95% CI: (1.51, 27.59)]; antenatal care follows up [AOR = 3.15, % CI: (1.22, 8.12)], radio/television ownership [AOR = 7.41, 95% CI: (2.86, 19.20)], child's sex being female [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (2.26, 10.064) and sufficient knowledge on child feeding [AOR = 2.82, 95% CI: (1.27, 26.26)] were independent predictors for appropriate IYCF practice. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of appropriate infant and young child feeding practice indicators was found to be rather high among the mothers in this study. The use of a bottle to feed babies, in particular is very common among the mothers who were studied. To address child malnutrition, it is critical to educate families about proper IYCF practices. This study suggests that mothers be properly educated about IYCF recommendations at health care facilities during their visits, as well as the promotion of appropriate IYCF through various media.

Feeding Practice During a Diarrheal Episode and Associated Factors Among Mothers/Caregivers with 6-59-Month-Old Children Visiting Health Centers in Shanan Dhuggo District, West Hararge Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Continued feeding and increasing fluids is the cornerstone treatment package for a child with acute diarrhea. However, there is a deficiency of evidence on child feeding practice during a diarrheal episode globally and particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed at assessing feeding practice during diarrheal episodes and associated factors among mothers/caregivers with 6-59-month-old children visiting health centers in Shanan Dhuggo district, West Hararge zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10 to April 25, 2019 on 422 mothers/caregivers of children 6-59 months of age with diarrhea. Data collection was conducted using a pretested tool. Epi Data version 3.1 was utilized for data entry and it was transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted, and a relationship between outcome variables and independent variables were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall magnitude of appropriate feeding practice during a diarrheal episode was 40.8%. Child's sex being male [AOR = 2.65 95% CI: (1.34, 5.22)], child's age <24 months [AOR = 13.5, 95% CI: (5.98, 30.45), postnatal care visit [AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: (1.78, 9.52)], having only one under-5 child [AOR = 5.65, 95% CI: (2.78, 11.48)], information on child feeding from health workers [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (1.05, 21.66)], and good knowledge on child feeding [AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: (1.52, 5.77 were independent predictors of appropriate feeding practice during a diarrheal episode. CONCLUSION: In the current study, the prevalence of appropriate feeding practice during a diarrheal episode was moderate. However, health education intervention aiming at factors influencing child feeding practices is indispensable to further improve feeding practice during a diarrheal episode.

Prevalence of Oral Rehydration Therapy Use During the Diarrheal Episode and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Under-Five Children Visiting Public Health Facilities in North Showa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Oral rehydration therapy reduces mortality and morbidity due to diarrheal diseases. However, Oral rehydration therapy remains to be underused worldwide and particularly in low-income countries. This study aims to assess the prevalence of oral rehydration therapy use during diarrheal episode and associated factors among mothers of under-five children visiting public health facilities in North Showa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed for one month in June 2020. A structured interview administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EPI-info 3.5.2 then transported to SPSS 21 version. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, and an association between dependent variables and independent variables were examined in logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of oral rehydration therapy use during diarrheal episode was 51.5%. Maternal literacy [AOR= 2.175, 95% CI: (1.178, 4.015)], mothers occupation being farmer [AOR= 0.394, 95% CI: (0.203, 0.762)], post natal care visit [AOR= 2.565, 95% CI: (1.468, 4.480)] and good knowledge of oral rehydration therapy [AOR= 1.919, 95% CI: (1.132, 3.253)] were significantly associated with oral rehydration therapy use. CONCLUSION: In this study oral rehydration therapy use was moderate. Maternal literacy, good knowledge of oral rehydration therapy, maternal occupation being a farmer, and postnatal care visit were the independent predictors of oral rehydration therapy use. Therefore, programmers and stakeholders who are working on child health programs should design interventions that focus on factors deterring child oral rehydration therapy use during diarrheal episode morbidity and mortality.