Hygienic practice during complementary feeding and its associated factors among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia.

Introduction: Complementary feeding is an important stage in a child's development as it provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. However, improper handling, storage, and preparation of complementary foods can result in contamination by microorganisms, leading to foodborne illnesses and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine hygienic practices during complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months from December 1-30, 2022. A total of 602 participants were recruited using a simple random sampling procedure. The hygienic practice of complementary feeding was assessed based on a related seven items questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.72). Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the statistically significant factors associated with proper hygienic practice of complementary feeding. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model were considered statistically significant. Results: The study indicated that 42.0%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 38, 45.8) of the mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months had proper hygienic practices during complementary feeding. Mothers who could read and write (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 3.36, 95% CI (1.53, 7.41)) and those who had completed primary school (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI (1.02, 2.85)), media exposure (AOR: 3.38, 95% CI (2.1, 5.4)), and attitude toward hygienic practice (AOR: 3.29, 95% CI (2.2, 4.91)) were independent predictors of hygiene practices during complementary feeding. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of hygiene practices during complementary feeding was relatively low. Being educated, access to media, and positive attitudes toward hygienic practices were predicting factors. As a result, strengthening training and counseling services for mothers regarding complementary feeding and processing is recommended.

Undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among adults in ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major public health problem, resulting in 10 million deaths annually. Undiagnosed hypertension affects more people than ever before. It is more likely to be linked to severe hypertension, which can lead to stroke, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: Databases, such as Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, AJOL, and the Cochrane Library, were systematically searched to find potential studies published until December 2022. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to enter the extracted data. The pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors was estimated using a random effect model. I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q-test were used to assess statistical heterogeneity across the studies. Begg's and Egger's tests were performed to identify possible publication bias. RESULTS: A total of ten articles with 5,782 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. In the random effects model, the pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 18.26% (95% CI = 14.94-21.58). Being older (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.56, 5.66), having a body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 2.1, 3.53), having a family history of hypertension (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.47, 3.36), and having DM comorbidity (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.38, 4.32) were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was found to be high in Ethiopia. Being older, having a BMI > 25 kg/m2, having a family history of hypertension, and having DM comorbidity were found to be risk factors for undiagnosed hypertension.

Incomplete immunization and its determinants among children in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective measures to prevent morbidity and mortality in children. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of incomplete immunization among children in Africa as well as its determinants. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and online institutional repository homes were searched. Studies published within English language, with full text available for searching, and studies conducted in Africa were included in this meta-analysis. A pooled prevalence, Sub-group analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were conducted. Out of 1305 studies assessed, 26 met our criteria and were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of incomplete immunization was 35.5% (95% CI: 24.4, 42.7), I2 = 92.1%). Home birth (AOR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.5-4.9), rural residence (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.1-20.1), lack of antenatal care visit (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1), lack of knowledge of immunizations (AOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.3-4.6), and maternal illiteracy (AOR = 1.7: 95%CI: 1.3-2.0) were associated with incomplete immunization. In Africa, the prevalence of incomplete immunization is high. It is important to promote urban residency, knowledge of immunization and antenatal follow up care.

Prevalence of contraceptive implant discontinuation among women who used implant in Ethiopia: Systemic review and meta-analysis.

The likelihood of contraceptive implant discontinuation is very common and varies worldwide. This high prevalence of discontinuation may also indicate problems with implementation of family planning programmes. Consequently, a significant number of women are exposed to conception after discontinuation. Although studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, there are inconsistencies across studies. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of contraceptive implant discontinuation among women in Ethiopia. Published articles from various electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, AJOL and Cochrane library were systematically searched. All cross-sectional studies conducted on prevalence of contraceptive implant discontinuation and published up to 30 January 2022 were included in this review. To estimate the pooled prevalence, random effect model was used and a subgroup analysis was performed to identify the possible source of heterogeneity. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to identify possible publication bias. A total of 13 cross-sectional studies with 5012 participants were included. Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 = 98.2%). However, there was no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.066). The estimated pooled prevalence of contraceptive implant discontinuation in Ethiopia was found to be 36.95% (95% confidence interval = 27.6-46.3). A subgroup analysis by time of discontinuation indicated that 21.5%, 42.2% and 33.5% of contraceptive implant user discontinue within 12 months, 2.5 years and 3 years, respectively. This meta-analysis indicated that the prevalence of discontinuation of contraceptive implant was found to be high in Ethiopia. Therefore, strengthening the appropriate counselling prior to insertion and proper follow-up, independent choice will improve the proportion of implants retention.

Knowledge and attitude toward the second round of COVID-19 vaccines among teachers working at southern public universities in Ethiopia.

About 1.9 million people in Ethiopia have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, which are given to frontline health care workers and university instructors through a campaign. After healthcare workers, teachers at all levels in Ethiopia are assumed to be at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used. Simple random sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for all variables, and a p-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Overall, 60.8% and 79.7% of participants had good knowledge of and positive attitudes toward a second round of COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Age (AOR = 1.51 [95% CI = 1.003-3.63]), profession (AOR = 1.402 [95% CI = 1.107-3.003]), work experience (AOR = 1.509 [95% CI = 1.151-2.283]), and chronic diseases (AOR = 2.142 [95% CI = 1.337-3.092]) were predictor variables for knowledge about the second round of COVID-19 vaccines. Sex (AOR = 1.386 [95% CI = 1.018-2.763]), marital status (AOR = 4.180 [95% CI = 2.397-6.989]), profession (AOR = 1.102 [95% CI = 1.008-3.123]), work experience (AOR = 1.211 [95% CI = 1.029-2.877]), and chronic diseases (AOR = 6.110 [95% CI = 4.892-10.661]) were predictor variables for attitudes toward a second round of COVID-19 vaccines. Generally, knowledge and attitudes toward the second round of COVID-19 vaccines among instructors were low. Thus, health education and communication are very crucial.

Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Family Planning Service in Modjo Public Health Facilities Southwest Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second common cancer overall. Breast self-examination is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. However, the practice of breast self-examination remains low in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women attending family planning services in Modjo public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia. PATIENT AND METHODS: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Modjo public health facilities from October 01, 2020, to October 30, 2020. Data were collected from 420 women by using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Variables with a P-value ≤0.2 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results of regression analysis were shown as odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Overall 86 (20.5%) of the participants had ever performed breast self-examination. The odds of breast self-examination practice among women with tertiary level of education were 2.14 [AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: (1.45, 6.74)] times higher compared to those with secondary education. Women who knew breast self-examination were 4.32 [AOR: 4.32; 95% CI: (1.81, 10.81)] times higher odds of breast self-examination practice compared to their counterparts. The odds of breast self-examination practice among women who had a positive attitude were 2.7 [AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: (1.03, 6.91)] times higher compared to women with a negative attitude towards breast self-examination. CONCLUSION: Breast self-examination practice was low within the study area. Tertiary level of education, having Knowledge on breast self-examination and a positive attitude towards breast self-examination were found to have a significant association with breast self-examination practice. Breast self-examination should be promoted by improving awareness and providing special health education for women that had low educational level.