Comparing level of food insecurity between households with and without home gardening practices in Zege, Amhara region, North West Ethiopia: Community based study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, close to 1 billion people suffer from hunger and food insecurity. Evidence showed that prevalence of household food insecurity in Ethiopia is ranged from 25.5%-75.8%. Home gardening is one way to alleviate food insecurity. Hence, the study aimed to determine level of food insecurity and its associated factors between home gardening and non-home gardening household in Zegie, North west Ethiopia. METHODS: Community-based study was conducted from February 10th-March 10th/2020. A total of 648 samples were included. First, 2142 total households who have 6-59 months of age children in the area identified and registered. Then, households categorized in to home garden practicing (1433) and non-home garden practicing (709). The calculated sample size, 324 for each group were selected using simple random sampling technique. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of food insecurity was 38.1% (95% CI: 34.29-42.11%). Food insecurity was significantly higher in non-home gardening groups than their counter parts 45.5% (95% CI: 39.80-51.20%). Having primary education and above (AO = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25-2.86%), wealth index; 2nd quantile (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.85%), 3rd quantile (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.62%) and 4th quantile (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.15-0.54%), dietary diversity (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15-2.92%) and home garden practices (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06-2.32%) were variables significantly associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity in non-home garden practicing households is higher than practicing households. The local agriculture sector needs to emphasis and empowered households on home gardening practices to realize food security.

Practices and associated factors of infection prevention of nurses working in public and private hospitals toward COVID-19 in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional study.

Objective: To assess the levels of practices and associated factors of infection prevention of nurses working in public and private hospitals toward coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design employed in public and private hospitals in Bahir Dar city from 26 March 2021 to 8 April 2021. A total of 442 study participants were recruited using stratified followed by simple random sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared and pretested on 5% of the total sample. The collected data were checked for completeness and consistency, and then the data were coded, entered, and cleaned with SPSS version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were carried out to display the means and proportions of sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the level of prevention practices and the independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to report the results. A significant association was set at p-value <0.05. Results: Of the total 442 samples, 431 (with response rate of 97.5%) answered the questions completely. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the participants was 29.33 (±5.62) years and 217 (50.3%) were females. The proportion of good prevention practices of nurses toward COVID-19 was 39.4% (95% confidence interval: 35%-44%). Female (adjusted odds ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-2.68), have training on COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.48), personal protective equipment access (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.44), availability of infection prevention guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.49), and favorable attitude (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-3.36) were factors significantly associated with good infection prevention practices. Conclusion: Most nurses in Bahir Dar City public and private hospitals had poor prevention practices against COVID-19. Training provision, infection prevention guidelines distribution, sustainable personal protective equipment access, and promotion to change their attitudes are intervention areas that required emphasis.

Prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors among 1-9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is the leading infectious disease that leads to blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries. Though Ethiopia had targeted a trachoma elimination program by 2020, the problem worsens, particularly in the Amhara Region. Even though sustained intervention measures are undertaken across the region, it is unclear why trachoma is still a significant public health problem. So, this study assessed the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among 1-9 years of age children from model and non-model kebeles in Dangila district Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th September 2019 to 29th October 2019. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to reach 704 children from model and non-model kebeles. Samples were allocated proportionally to model and non-model kebeles. A structured and pretested data collection tool and observational checklist was used to manage the necessary data. Data were coded and entered in Epidata version 4.6, and further analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with active trachoma. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), p-value, and respected Confidence Interval (CI) were used to report the findings. RESULTS: Seven hundred four children were included in this study, with a response rate of 97.8%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma was 6% (95% CI: 4.5, 8.1). The prevalence of active trachoma among non-model and model Kebele was not significantly different. Still, the prevalence of active trachoma among children from model Kebele were [4.5%, (95% CI: 2.4%, 7.1%)] relatively lower compared with non-model kebeles, [7.6%, 95% CI: (4.9%, 10.9%)]. Moreover, not using latrine (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.96, 9.34), fly-eye contact (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.03), presence of sleep in eyes (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.47), presence of ocular discharge (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.00), presence of nasal discharges (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.90) and washing faces with soap (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.69) were found significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma among children 1-9 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of active trachoma in the model and non-model kebeles was high and did not show a statistical difference. Attention to be given to latrine utilization, washing face with soap, and other personal hygiene activities.

Nutritional status of 6-59 months of age children is not significantly varied between households with and without home gardening practices in Zege, North West Ethiopia, 2020: community based comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a critical public health issue that has been related to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the fact that children are expected to benefit from home gardening products, their nutritional condition in Ethiopia, particularly in the planned study region, is not thoroughly monitored. Therefore the purpose of this is to determine the nutritional status of 6-59 months of age children between households with and without home gardening practices at Zege. METHODS: A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among paired mothers with 6-59 month children from February to March 2020. Data were collected using questionnaire and anthropometric measurement tools. Binary logistic regression models were used. A-p-value < 0.05 was used as cutoff point to declare statistically significant variables with the outcome variable. RESULT: Stunting and wasting among children aged 6-59 months was high and did not show significant variation between households practicing home gardening (stunting 46.1%, at 95%, CI: 40.6-51.3 and wasting 9.1%, at 95% CI: 6.2-12.7) and not practiced home gardening (stunting 50.3%, at 95% CI: 44.5-55.8 and wasting 10.1%, 95% CI: 6.8-13.8). Having low dietary diversity (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.9-3.9), Being male (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4-3), feeding frequency < 3/day (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.4), and presence of diarrhea (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-4.6) were predictors of stunting. Unprotected-drinking water (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.2), not fully-immunized (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.1) and being female (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3-4.6) were predictors for child wasting. CONCLUSION: stunting and wasting are highly prevalent in both home gardening and non- home gardening households' children of the community. Promoting diversified diet, protected water source, vaccinating children, access to a healthy environment and integrated with the access of nutrition education programs are vital interventions to improve nutrition.

Incidence of thromboembolism and thromboprophylaxis in medical patients admitted to specialized hospital in Ethiopia using Padua prediction score.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients and thromboprophylaxis is one of the key strategies to reduce such events. We aimed to assess venous thromboembolism risk using Padua prediction score, thromboprophylaxis practice, and outcomes in hospitalized medical patients at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 patients admitted to Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital from 1 December 2018 to 31 May 2019. Data were collected from patients' medical records using a pre-tested data abstraction format to collect patients' clinical information and venous thromboembolism risk using the Padua prediction score. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess association between the variables of interest. RESULTS: Reduced mobility, recent trauma and/or surgery, heart and/or respiratory failure, and active cancer were the frequently identified venous thromboembolism risk factors. Based on Padua prediction score, 48.4% of patients were at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism. The venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was given only for 55 (25.1%) patients and 15 of them were at low risk of developing venous thromboembolism (<4 Padua score) and were ineligible for thromboprophylaxis. Fifteen (6.84%) patients developed venous thromboembolism events during their stay at the hospital and 80% of them were from high risk group. The odds of females to develop venous thromboembolism were more than 14 times higher (adjusted odds ratio = 14.51; 95% confidence interval: 2.52-83.39, p = 0.003) than males. Reduced mobility (adjusted odds ratio = 10.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.70-58.70), <1 month trauma and/or surgery (adjusted odds ratio = 18.93; 95% confidence interval: 2.30-155.56), active cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 6.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-34.27), chronic kidney diseases (adjusted odds ratio = 61.790; 95% confidence interval: 2.627-1453.602), and hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 7.270; 95% confidence interval: 1.105-47.835) were significantly associated with the risk of developing venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the patients were at risk of developing venous thromboembolism. Underutilization of thromboprophylaxis and inappropriate use of prophylaxis were commonly seen in Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital.

Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthiasis among school-age children in wetland and non-wetland areas of Blue Nile Basins, northwest Ethiopia: A community-based comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Different interventions have been done to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). The available evidences in Ethiopia in either school or community-based school-aged children (SAC) have limitation in wetland areas. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of STH infection among SAC in wetland and non-wetland areas of Blue Nile Basins, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: A community-based comparative study was conducted from October to November, 2019. Multistage stratified random sampling technique used to select 716 SAC. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Stool samples were collected from children using tight-fitting plastic cups following the standard procedures. Data were coded and entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 20 software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with STH. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of STH was 30.30% (95% CI: 26.90, 33.90) and did not show significant variation between wetland (33.60% (95% CI: 28.80, 39.60%)) and non-wetland (27.0% (95% CI: (21.90, 31.60)) areas. Presence of human feces near the house and certain habits such as nail trimming and playing with mud/soil was not different between wetland and non-wetlands. Nonetheless, the presence of human feces near the house of respondents was found to be significantly associated with STH infection (p value < 0.001). Moreover, other factors significantly associated with STH infection were lack of nail trimming (p value < 0.001) and playing with mud/soil (p value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of STH was high and did not show significant variation between the two areas. Emphasis needs to be given for hygiene and lifestyle-related factors.

Exploring geographical variations and inequalities in access to improved water and sanitation in Ethiopia: mapping and spatial analysis.

Ensuring access to improved water and sanitation remains a public health challenge in Ethiopia. Exploring access to improved drinking-water supply and sanitation will help to track the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of this study was to explore geographical variations and inequalities in access to improved drinking water and sanitation in Ethiopia. A total of 16,650 households from 643 enumeration areas of the recent Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data were extracted and included in the analysis. World Health Organization recommended definitions were used to measure indicators of improved drinking water and sanitation at enumeration areas. SaTScan™ software was used for spatial analysis using enumeration areas as centers for exploring geographical variations of improved water and sanitation. Absolute and relative inequalities were used to quantify regional inequalities in access to improved water and sanitation. Nationwide access to improved drinking water and sanitation in Ethiopia was 49.6% (95% CI: 48.4-50.7) and 6.3% (5.8-6.8), respectively, with large variations between and within regions (using the categories and definitions that were in effect for monitoring coverage in 2016). Access to improved drinking water ranged from 28.5% in Somali Region to 95.3% in Addis Ababa city whereas access to improved sanitation ranged from 1.7% in Amhara Region to 24% in Dire Dawa city. Households lacking access to improved water and sanitation were clustered in northern (Amhara Region) and southern (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region) parts of Ethiopia. Most enumeration areas had very low level of access to improved drinking water and/or sanitation. This analysis demonstrated the existence of geographical variations and inequalities in access to improved drinking water and sanitation in Ethiopia. Therefore strategies to improve access for safe drinking water and sanitation should consider geographical variations and inequalities at a subnational scale.

Effect of exclusive breastfeeding cessation time on childhood morbidity and adverse nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia: Analysis of the demographic and health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Though exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months is recommended, it remains a debatable issue in both developed and developing countries. Thus, this study investigated the effect of EBF cessation time on childhood morbidity and adverse nutritional outcome in Ethiopia. METHODS: We used the 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. The study involved 2,433 children under six months of age. Logistic regression model was applied to determine the effect of EBF cessation time on outcome variables. Population Attributable Fraction was calculated to evaluate the public health impacts of EBF termination in the population. RESULTS: Discontinuing EBF at 0-3 months (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 3.53)) and 4-6 months (AOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.19, 5.83) increased diarrhea occurrence compared to children who continued EBF up to 6 months. Children who had terminated EBF at 4-6 months had increased odds of fever (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.68) and acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.61, 4.65). Cessation of EBF earlier than 4 months or between 4-6 months was associated with increased odds of having at least one childhood morbidity. Termination of EBF at 0-3 months and at 4-6 months were associated with increased occurrence of wasting (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.74) and underweight (AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.91), respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding can avert 42% of diarrhea, 27% of ARI, 21% of fever, 26% of wasting and 23% of underweight burden among children under six months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Termination of EBF before six months was associated with increased occurrence of diarrhea, fever and ARIs. It was also linked with increased occurrence of childhood wasting and underweight. The finding emphasized EBF for the first six months to reduce childhood morbidity and adverse nutritional outcomes.

Wasting in under five children is significantly varied between rice producing and non-producing households of Libokemkem district, Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Acute undernutrition (wasting) is a condition in which a child becomes too thin for his or her height because of weight loss or failure to gain weight. Wasted children have greater risk of morbidity and mortality compared to their normal counterparts. There are significant number of children in Africa and Asia who suffered from all forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of wasting and its associated factors among 6-59 months of age children in Libokemkem district, Amhara region of Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study design was employed from June 1st to August 30th, 2017. A total of 876 households were selected using stratified multistage sampling technique. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio demographic and other characteristics of the participants. Anthropometric data from the children was collected using the procedure stipulated by World Health Organization/United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Kebeles, the smallest administrative unit of the country, were stratified in to two groups based on the presence and absence of rice production program. Then, the children were selected randomly from the households that have been included by using systematic random sampling technique. To assure the quality of data, pretest was done on 5.00% of the total sample size. Data were coded and entered using Epi Info version 7 software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 software for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to determine the significant association between independent and dependent variables. Binary logistic regression was run to identify candidate variable for multivariate logistic regression. Those variables with a p-value < 0.25 were entered in to multivariate analyses to check the association between independent and dependent variables. Significant association set at a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: The total prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) was 7.10% and from this 2.50% were severely wasted. It was significantly higher among children in non-rice producing community at 11.80% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 7.90, 13.88) than rice producing one at 3.34% (95% CI: 1.60, 5.65). Children whose mothers had no power to decide how income earned is used (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.94, 95% CI: 2.12, 7.31), children who lived in areas with no rice production program (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.58, 6.33), children whose mother had no formal education (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.70, 7.79) were also significantly associated with wasting. Monthly income less than1500 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.14, 7.99), presence of diarrheal disease for the last 15 days (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.64) and complementary food starting before 6 months (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.26, 5.42) significantly associated with wasting. CONCLUSION: There was substantial difference between rice producing program and non-producing program communities with regarding to wasting. Children from rice producing program communities have better nutritional status than their counterparts. Intervention needs to be conducted on mother's decision-making power over household income, mother's education, and on the productive agricultural practices like improved rice producing programs.

Household food insecurity is associated with both body mass index and middle upper-arm circumference of mothers in northwest Ethiopia: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity and associated malnutrition result in serious health problems in developing countries. This study determined levels of maternal undernutrition and its association with food insecurity in northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a community-based comparative cross-sectional study conducted May 24-July 20, 2013. Multistage random sampling was used to select 4,110 samples. Availability of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme was used for grouping the study areas. A food-security access scale developed by the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistant project was used to measure food security. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association of food insecurity and maternal undernutrition. RESULTS: From the total participants, 12.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.6%-13.6%) had a body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2. Comparison of maternal undernutrition in the two study areas revealed 8.8% (95% CI 7.6%-10.2%) in the program area and 16.4% (95% CI 14.8%-18.1%) in nonprogram areas were undernourished. Severe food insecurity was significantly associated with BMI of mothers (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] 3.6 and 2.31, 95% CI 2.32-5.57 and 1.52-3.5, respectively) in both program and nonprogram areas. Mild (AOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21-2.6) and moderate (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.18-2.16) food insecurity significantly associated with maternal undernutrition in nonprogram areas. In the same way, all forms of food insecurity significantly associated with maternal middle upper-arm circumference in both program and nonprogram areas. The odds of mothers who did not exercise decision-making practice on the household income was also 4.13 times higher than those who did (AOR 4.13, 95% CI 2.2-7.77) in the program area. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity significantly associated with both maternal BMI and middle upper-arm circumference in both study areas. Female authority also significantly associated with BMI of the mothers in the program area. Maternal nutrition-intervention programs should focus on women-empowerment strategies that enable them to decide on the income for household-nutrition provision.

Level and determinants of food insecurity in East and West Gojjam zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a community based comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity remains highly prevalent in developing countries and over the past two decades it has increasingly been recognized as a serious public health problem, including in Ethiopia. An emerging body of literature links food insecurity to a range of negative health outcomes and causes of a decline in productivity. The objectives of the present study were to determine the level of food insecurity in East Gojjam zone where the productive safety net program is available, and in West Gojjam zone where there is no program, and to identify the determinants of food insecurity in both East and West Gojjam zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: Community based comparative cross-sectional study design was used from 24 May 2013- 20 July 2013. Multistage sampling technique was implemented. A total of 4110 randomly selected households in two distinct populations were approached to be included in the study. Availability and absence of the productive safety net program between the two study areas was used to categorize them as comparative groups; otherwise the two communities are comparable in many socio-cultural characteristics. The household food security access scale questionnaire, developed by the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistant Project, was used to measure food security level. Socio-demographic and other household level information were collected by using a structured questionnaire. The binary logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with food insecurity. RESULTS: From the total 4110 households, 3964 (96.45 %) gave complete responses. The total prevalence of food insecurity was 55.3 % (95 % CI: 53.8, 56.8). To compare food insecurity levels between the two zones, nearly sixty percent, 59.2 % (95 % CI: 57 %, 61.4 %) of the East Gojjam and 51.3 % (95 % CI: 49.1 %, 53.5) of West Gojjam households were food insecure. Family size (2-4) (AOR = 0.641, 95 % CI: 0.513, 0.801), non-merchant women (AOR = 1.638, 95 % CI: 1.015, 2.643), household monthly income quartiles, 1(st) (AOR = 2.756, 95 % CI: 1.902, 3.993), and 2(nd) (AOR =1.897, 95 % CI: 1.299, 2.775) were the significant socio-demographic determinants in east Gojjam zone. Illiterate mothers (AOR = 1.388, 95 % CI: 1.011, 1.905), household monthly income quartiles, 1(st) (AOR = 3.110232, 95 % CI: 2.366, 4.415), 2(nd) (AOR =2.618, 95 % CI: 1.892, 3.622) and 3(rd) (AOR = 2.177, 95 % CI: 1.6911, 2.803) were the significant socio-demographic predictors in west Gojjam zone. Rural residential area (AOR = 3.201, 95 % CI: 1.832, 5.594) and (AOR = 2.425, 95 % CI: 1.79, 3.272), highland agro-ecology (AOR = 2.193, 95 % CI: 1.348, 3.569 and AOR = 3.669, 95 % CI: 2.442, 5.513) and lack of livestock (AOR = 1.553, 95 % CI: 1.160, 2.078 and AOR = 1.568 95 % CI: 1.183, 2.080) were significant environmental predictors in east and west Gojjam zones respectively. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity is highly prevalent in both study areas; however, there are different predictor factors. Intervention strategies should give emphasis to women's education, diversified income generating opportunities, and for each agro-ecological zone, mixed agriculture strategy.

Review of Policy, Regulatory, and Organizational Frameworks of Environment and Health in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia produced its Environmental Health Situational Analysis and Needs Assessment (SANA) report in 2010 as part of the global endeavor to characterize and underscore the importance of connecting health and environment. The assessment methods used in SANA 2010 were updated, replicated and used in this SABNA. with a focus on air pollution, occupational safety and health, and climate change. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the review was to examine national policies and identify gaps in regulations and organizational arrangements that determine Ethiopia's ability to mitigate and eventually prevent the health impacts of air pollution, occupational hazards, and climate change. METHODS: The national policy and regulatory documents were reviewed. Literature was identified through electronic searches. Hard copies of past reports and policies were reviewed whenever necessary. A semi-structured guideline was used to conduct in-depth interviews aimed at identifying gaps and needs. RESULTS: The Constitution of Ethiopia has policy provisions related to air pollution, occupational safety and health (OSH), and climate change and health. Proclamation No. 300/2002 on Environmental Pollution Control specifies ambient air quality standards and allowable emissions. However, there were no documents that outlined the national or regional strategies that the ministries and agencies could adopt to translate existing policies, legal provisions, or guidelines for air pollution into practical programs. In the same way, a national OSH policy was lacking at the time this review was made on how occupational safety and health should be handled nationally or at lower governing levels as required by the International Occupation Safety and Health and Working Environment Convention No. 155/1981. Ethiopia is a signatory of this Convention. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The results of the situational analysis indicate that there are cross-cutting gaps in the various sectors. Among these, addressing the critical shortage of skilled personnel is an urgent priority. Most stakeholders face acute shortages of professionals and poor retention mechanisms. It is therefore important to design interventions that focus on capacity building in, for example, aligning curricula with specific needs of ministries, andequip professionals with the necessary technical skills.In addition, the results indicate that policies and regulations exist in theory, but in practice, there are inadequate implementation strategies to encourage adherence and enforcement of the regulations and policies.

Stunting Is Associated with Food Diversity while Wasting with Food Insecurity among Underfive Children in East and West Gojjam Zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity has detrimental effects in protecting child undernutrition.This study sought to determine the level of child undernutrition and its association with food insecurity. METHODS: A community based comparative cross-sectional study design involving multistage sampling technique was implemented from 24th of May to 20th of July 2013. Using two population proportion formula, a total of 4110 randomly selected households were included in the study. Availability of the productive safety net programme was used for grouping the study areas. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the association between food insecurity and child malnutrition. Clustering effects of localities were controlled during analysis. RESULTS: Stunting (37.5%), underweight (22.0%) and wasting (17.1%) were observed in East Gojjam zone, while 38.3% stunting, 22.5% underweight, and 18.6% wasting for the West Gojjam zone. Food insecurity was significantly associated with wasting (ß = - 0.108, P < 0.05).Food diversity and number of meals the child ate per day significantly associated with stunting (ß = 0.039, P < 0.01) and underweight (ß = 0.035, P < 0.05) respectively. Residential area was the significant predictor of all indices. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of child undernutrition was found to be very high in the study areas. Food insecurity was the significant determinant of wasting. Food diversity and number of meals the child ate per day were the significant determinants of stunting and underweight respectively. Child nutrition intervention strategies should take into account food security, dietary diversity, and carefully specified with regard to residential locations. Addressing food insecurity is of paramount importance.