Physical activity and survival in chronic comorbidity among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy enables people living with HIV to live long lives, and these advances have transformed HIV infection from an acute to a chronic disease. Many non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, are influenced by physical inactivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity and survival in chronic co-morbidity among adult people living with HIV in Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based prospective cohort study of adult people living with HIV was conducted between 2019 and 2021. We included 422 people living with HIV at baseline. After the baseline visit, 364 patients without hypertension or diabetes, were followed up for two years. Nine trained nurses used a pre-tested, structured questionnaire to collect data during routine care consultations in three hospitals in southern Ethiopia. STATA version 15 was used to analyze the data. To estimate the survival probability of developing chronic comorbidities, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to identify the predictors of the development of chronic comorbidities. RESULT: In the current study, 39% of the participants were found to have a low level of physical activity. Those who had self-management skills to maintain physical activity (p = 0.023), considered physical activity an important aspect of their HIV management (p = 0.003), and regularly attended social support groups (p = 0.002) had significantly higher levels of physical activity. The risk of chronic comorbidity increased over time, with a rate of 10.83 chronic comorbidities per 1000 persons per month. Lack of regular exercise [AHR: 2.04; 95% CI: (1.03, 5.13)], low physical activity [AHR: 2.01; 95% CI: (1.03, 7.89)], BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 [AHR: 2.74; 95% CI: (1.31, 5.12)] and low fruit and vegetable intake [AHR = 2.57; 95% CI: (1.28, 6.49)] were all associated with the development of chronic comorbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of physical inactivity is high in the study population. A physical activity program for people living with HIV should be considered, and the promotion of self-management skills should be integrated into HIV care programs.

Prevalence of stunting and associated factors among neonates in Shebadino woreda, Sidama region South Ethiopia; a community-based cross-sectional study 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Stunting is a syndrome that begins at conception and leads to severe, irreversible physiological, physical and cognitive damage as an irreversible consequence of nutritional deficiencies and recurrent infections. Although multiple studies have been conducted in Ethiopia to show the magnitude of stunting and factors, all are concentrated on children aged between 6 to 59 months. Therefore, this study was done to determine the prevalence and associated factors of stunting at birth among new-borns. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed on 512 neonates in Shebadino Woreda, Sidama Region South Ethiopia 2022. A multistage sampling technique was employed. The data was collected door-to-door using pretested and structured questionnaires, through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were cleaned manually, coded, entered into Epidata version 4.6, and exported to SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Bi-variable analysis was conducted to assess the association of independent variables with the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bi-variable logistic regression were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used as a measure of association, and variables that had a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were considered as significantly associated variables. RESULT: The prevalence of stunting in this study was 27.5%: 95% CI 22.6 to 31.9. Factors such as residence (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.49, 11.25), ANC follow up (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.34, 5.27), started taking Amessa (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.27, 9.55) and Sex of the neonate (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.54, 5.23) were significantly associated with stunting at a p-value of < 0.05. CONCLUSION: About 27% of neonates were stunted, which implies, it require a quick public health measurement. New-born who were live in rural area and those who were started traditional medication (Amessa) were more stunted. Besides this, stunting was prevalently observed among a mother who had no ANC follow-up and male neonates. Thus, the regional health bureau and Shebedino woreda health office should increase awareness creation to bring behavioural change at community level to prevent traditional medication usage, ANC follow-up and giving priority for those who live in rural area.

Frailty status and associated factors among older PLHIV in Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Studies addressing frailty are limited in the global south, including Ethiopia. We estimated the prevalence of frailty and associated factors among older people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending a large Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic sample of 187 PLHIV and 187 HIV-negative controls > 50 years old were recruited between October 1 and November 30, 2021. Data on socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Frailty assessments were completed using the brief frailty instrument (B-FIT-2), which consists of 6 components. Scoring 5-6 points was frail, 2-4 points were pre-frail and below 2 was considered as non-frail. Logistic regression model was used to measure association between variables. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age was 53 (50, 80) for PLWH and 59 (55-66) for controls. Prevalence of frailty was 9.1% for PLHIV Versus 5.9% for controls. A significant proportion of PLHIV was pre-frail; 141 (75.4%) compared to controls 110 (58.8%). Pre-frailty status was associated with HIV diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.2; 95% CI 1.8-9.9), low age (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.6), lower educational attainment (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.0-4.9), being farmer (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.0-10.2) and having high or low body mass index (BMI) (aOR 11.3; 95% CI 4.0-25.8). HIV diagnosis (aOR 9.7; 95% CI 1.6-56.8), age (aOR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.7), lower educational attainment (aOR 5.2; 95% CI 1.5-18.2), single status (aOR 4.2; 95% CI 1.3-13.6), farmer (aOR 19.5; 95% CI 3.5-109.1) and high or low BMI (aOR 47.3; 95% CI 13.8-161.9) predicted frailty. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of frailty and pre-frailty was observed in a cohort of older PLHIV attending care in Southern Ethiopia. Future research should focus on interventions targeting factors associated with frailty.

Nutritional status and its determinants among adolescents with HIV on anti-retroviral treatment in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to determine what methods are used to assess nutritional status, the levels of nutritional status, determinants of undernutrition, and nutritional interventions employed for adolescents with HIV on Anti-Retroviral Therapy follow-up in Low- and Middle-Income countries. METHODS: Established methods were used to systematically identify and retrieve studies published in five databases between January 2000 to May 2021, and citation searching. Quality was appraised and findings were synthesized using narrative analysis and meta-analysis. RESULT: Body Mass Index is the major indicator of nutritional status. The pooled prevalence of stunting, wasting, and overweight were 28.0%, 17.0%, and 5.0%, respectively. Adolescent males are 1.85 and 2.55 times more likely than adolescent females to suffer from both stunting and wasting at AOR = 1.85 (95%:1.47, 2.31) and AOR = 2.55 (95%: 1.88, 3.48), respectively. Similarly, adolescents with a history of opportunistic infections were 2.97 times more likely to be stunted than uninfected adolescents, AOR = 2.97 (95%:1.73, 5.12). One single intervention study found significant improvements in anthropometric status after nutritional supplementation. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The few studies that have been conducted on nutritional status in adolescents living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries indicate that stunting and wasting are common in this population. Avoiding opportunistic infections is an important protective factor but the review highlighted the generally inadequate and fragmented nature of nutritional screening and support programs. Development of comprehensive and integrated systems for nutritional assessment and intervention services during ART follow-up should be prioritized to improve adolescent clinical outcomes and survival.

Knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa, South Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube closure defect (NTD) such as spinal bifida and anencephaly are serious neurological disabilities that occur when the neural tube does not close completely within 28 days of conception. Even though Folic acid supplementation during and before pregnancy is proved to significantly reduces the risk of NTDs. Currently only 23% of folic acid preventable NTD achieved Worldwide; mainly due to lack of awareness about folic acid supplementation. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge of Folic acid supplementation among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Hawassa Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was employed among 358 pregnant women attending antenatal care. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The knowledge of Folic acid supplementation was assessed using six multiple-choice questions. The association between the dependent and independent variables were analyzed using Binary Logistic regression model and statistically significant predictors at p-value <.05 at 95% CI. RESULTS: This study indicated that only 7.5% (95% CI, 5.3-10.1) of pregnant women had good knowledge of Folic acid supplementation. The pregnant women who had a history of at least one previous pregnancy loss AOR = 12.64 (95% CI: 4.98, 32.08) and those who had preconception consultation AOR = 11.77 (95% CI: 3.01, 46.07) were more likely to have good knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation as compared to their counterpart. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of periconceptional folic acid supplementation among pregnant women was worryingly low in the study area. Alternative and more effective strategies are needed if the population of Ethiopia is to benefit fully from the folic acid prevention of NTDs. Thus, in Ethiopia the future strategies should focus on the possible way to reach the last group through fortification of staple foods with folic acid along with improving women's awareness on folic acid importance in reducing Neural tube defects.

Essential newborn care practice and associated factors among obstetric care providers of public hospitals in Sidama regional state, Ethiopia.

Introduction: The global neonatal death rate was predicted to be 18 per 1000 live births during the first 28 days of life. Ethiopia continues to have one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in the world. Essentially, over 70% of these deaths may have been averted or prevented if proper essential newborn care had been provided. The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of essential newborn care and associated factors among obstetric care providers in public hospitals in Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. Methods: This study was conducted from 1 to 30 July 2020, using an institutionally based cross-sectional study design. The study comprised 182 obstetric care professionals from six hospitals chosen at random. EpiData (version 3.1) was used to enter data, which was then exported to SPSS (version 20). Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression were used. Statistical significance of the explanatory variables was declared at p values <0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of good practice on essential newborn care was 56.6% (95% confidence interval = 49.4-63.7). Working in the delivery room (adjusted odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval = 2.04-10.06), having training in essential newborn care (adjusted odds ratio = 3.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.63-8.17), and access to established essential newborn care protocols (adjusted odds ratio = 6.88, 95% confidence interval = 3.10-15.26) were found to be statistically significant factors of essential newborn care practice. Conclusion: The study found that having necessary newborn care standards, being interested in working in the delivery room, and having essential newborn care training are all important factors in implementing essential newborn care practices. Important knowledge gaps were noted in key areas of essential newborn care.

Minimum acceptable diet practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in rural communities of Goncha district, north West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: After the first 6 months breast milk is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the infant. Therefore, complementary foods should be added to the child's diet. Feeding children with a diversified diet is practiced improperly in developing countries including Ethiopia particularly in the rural community of the Amhara region. However, limited information was documented on the rural communities and no data were available specifically in the study area to show the exact picture of child feeding practices. So, this study was planned to assess minimum acceptable diet practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in the rural community of Goncha district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was employed to determine minimum acceptable diet practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months at rural communities of Goncha district, East Gojjam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study subjects, and an interview administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered by Epi Data version 4.0.2 and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to see the association. Then, P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI on multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify the predictor of the outcome variable. RESULTS: A total of 430 mothers who have children aged 6-23 months were included in the analysis with a 98% of response rate. About 12.6% of children aged 6-23 months received the recommended minimum acceptable diet. Children whose mothers who had formal education [AOR = 2.7, 95%CI (1.133, 6.231)], institutional delivery [AOR = 4.5, 95%CI (1.986, 10.362)], media exposure [AOR = 2.6, 95%CI (1.303, 5.291)] and higher household wealth index [AOR = 2.5, 95%CI (1.139, 5.90)] were significantly associated with minimum acceptable diet. CONCLUSION: The practice of minimum acceptable diet in the study area was inadequate and very low according to the national recommendation. So, strengthening institutional delivery, improving the wealth of the community and exposure to media, and finally empowering women's' for education is recommended.

The determinants of 5th minute low Apgar score among newborns who delivered at public hospitals in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Newborn morbidity and mortality are forecasted using the Apgar scores. Obstetricians worldwide have used the Apgar score for more than half a century for the assessment of immediate newborn conditions. It is a simple and convenient evaluation system that offers a standardized and effective assessment of newborn infants. Neonatal morbidity and mortality can be reduced if high-risk neonates are identified and managed adequately. This study aimed to assess the determinants of 5th minute low Apgar score among newborns at Public hospitals in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at Public Hospitals in Hawassa city. Data were collected from 134 cases and 267 controls using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire by observing, interviewing, and reviewing patient cards. Newborns who delivered with a 5th minute Apgar score < 7 were considered as cases; whereas a similar group of newborns with a 5th minute Apgar score of ≥ 7 were categorized as controls. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to recruit cases, while a simple random sampling technique was used to select controls. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Data version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 respectively. Binary and multivariable analyses with a 95 % confidence level were performed. In the final model, variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After controlling for possible confounding factors, the results showed that lack of physical and emotional support during labor and delivery [AOR = 3.5, 95 %CI:1.82-6.76], rural residence [AOR = 4, 95 %CI: 2.21-7.34], lack of antenatal care follow up [AOR = 3.5, 95 % CI: 1.91-6.33], anemia during pregnancy [AOR = 2.3,95 %CI: 1.10-4.71] and low birth weight [AOR = 6.2, 95 %CI: 2.78-14.03] were determinant factors of low Apgar scores. The area under the Apgar score ROC curve was 87.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of physical and emotional support, rural residence, lack of ANC follow-up, low birth weight, and anemia during pregnancy were determinant factors of a low Apgar score. `Effective health education during preconception about anemia during pregnancy and ANC will help in detecting high-risk pregnancies that lead to a low Apgar score. In addition to the standard care of using electronic fetal monitoring, increasing access to compassion ships during labor and delivery is recommended.

Mothers' Experiences and Perceptions of Facility-based Delivery Care in Rural Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, delivery wards are a part of primary healthcare services. However, although the maternal mortality rate is very high, approximately 50% of mothers use skilled birth attendants. This study focused on how women in a rural southern district of Ethiopia experience maternity care offered at the local delivery wards. In this qualitative, exploratory study, 19 women who had given birth in a healthcare facility were interviewed in 2019. Individual in-depth interviews were supplemented with observations conducted at 2 different delivery wards in the same district in 2020. Two main themes emerged from the thematic content analysis: increased awareness and safety were the primary reasons for giving birth at a healthcare facility, and traditions and norms affected women's birth experiences in public maternity wards. The main shortcomings were a shortage of medicine, ambulance not arriving in time, and lack of care at night. For some women, being assisted by a male midwife could be challenging, and the inability to afford necessary medicine made adequate treatment inaccessible. Providing continuous information gave the women a certain feeling of control. Strong family involvement indicated that collectivistic expectations were key to rural delivery wards. The healthcare system must be structured to meet women's needs. Moreover, managers and midwives should ensure that birthing women receive high-quality, safe, timely, and respectful care.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, associated risk factors and its relationship with academic performance among graduating female university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea. DESIGN AND METHOD: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ethiopia (2019: n=647 female university students). OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)). CONCLUSIONS: Dysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.

Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus among Patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of noncommunicable disease (NCD) in Africa is on a remarkable rise exacerbating the poor public health status affected by the existing but yet unsolved communicable disease. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence regarding prevalence and risk factors to NCD. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the prevalence of risk factors of NCDs, prevalence of DM and HTN, and risk factors associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). METHOD: This is an institution based cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 411 clients attending a university-based comprehensive specialized hospital in Southern Ethiopia. The data was collected by using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. Frequency, proportions, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 20. RESULT: We identified 64.2% of the clients had at least one of the risk factors to the NCDs. One-third (33.3%) had physical inactivity, whereas 20.2% had a BMI of ≥ 25%. The prevalence of DM and HTN was 12.2% and 10.5%, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥ 60 years, physical inactivity, higher BMI, and cigarette smoking were risk factors for at least one of the NCDs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM and prevalence of HTN were high. The magnitudes of risk factors to NCDs among the study population were substantial. Higher BMI, physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol use, khat chewing, and cigarette smoking were among the prevailing risk factors identified.

Level of Healthcare Providers' Preconception Care (PCC) Practice and Factors Associated with Non-Implementation of PCC in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers (HCPs) are at the forefront of screening and identifying preconception risk factors leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). In Ethiopia, there is no published study that assessed the status of the implementation of PCC. This is a study conducted with the aim of determining the level of HCP's PCC practice and factors associated with non-implementation of PCC. METHODS: This institution based cross-sectional study conducted among HCPs working in public health institutions (PHI) of Hawassa. The data was collected using a validated instrument called 'Andarg-Ethio PCC-KAPQuestionnaire'. A ltistage sampling was applied to draw a sample of 634 HCPs. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Descriptive statistics and binary as well as multiple logistic regression analysis models were used to determine the cruds and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Out of the total study participants, 84.7%(537) were found not totally practising PCC. Those HCPs who do not screen their clients' reproductive life plan (RPL) had 7 times higher odds of not practising PCC (AOR=7.2 95% C.I. 3.6 - 14.5), whereas those HCPs with poor PCC knowledge had 4 times higher odds of not practising PCC (AOR= 4.4, 95% C.I. 2.5-7.6). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated the absence of standardized and consistent PCC practice which indicates that PCC is not well introduced to the area. Developing of PCC policy and guidelines plus training of HCPs are recommended.

Level of healthcare Providers' Preconception Care (PCC) practice and factors associated with non-implementation of PCC in Hawassa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers (HCPs) are at the forefront of screening and identifying preconception risk factors leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). In Ethiopia, there is no published study that assessed the status of the implementation of PCC. This is a study conducted with the aim of determining the level of HCP's PCC practice and factors associated with non-implementation of PCC. METHODS: This institution based cross-sectional study conducted among HCPs working in public health institutions (PHI) of Hawassa. The data was collected using a validated instrument called 'Andarg-Ethio PCC-KAPQuestionnaire'. A ltistage sampling was applied to draw a sample of 634 HCPs. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Descriptive statistics and binary as well as multiple logistic regression analysis models were used to determine the cruds and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Out of the total study participants, 84.7%(537) were found not totally practising PCC. Those HCPs who do not screen their clients' reproductive life plan (RPL) had 7 times higher odds of not practising PCC (AOR=7.2 95% C.I. 3.6- 14.5), whereas those HCPs with poor PCC knowledge had 4 times higher odds of not practising PCC (AOR= 4.4, 95% C.I. 2.5-7.6). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated the absence of standardized and consistent PCC practice which indicates that PCC is not well introduced to the area. Developing of PCC policy and guidelines plus training of HCPs are recommended

Women's knowledge and associated factors on preconception care at Public Health Institution in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Preconception care is pivotal to improve pregnancy and birth outcome. It is vital for the future health of mother, her child and her family, which is routinely practice. The study aims to assess knowledge of preconception care and associated factors in post natal women at public health institution in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia. RESULTS: In this study 20% (95% CI 16.9, 23.1) of post natal women at public health institution had a good level of knowledge on preconception care. Women who have secondary and above education level, urban residence, and have at least one ANC contact had significantly higher odds of good level of knowledge on preconception care. The finding of this study showed that level of women's knowledge towards preconception care to be low compared to other studies. Having at least one ANC contact, urban residence and having secondary and above education are predictors of knowledge on preconception care. It shall be beneficial if the city health administration, regional and national health authorities work towards improving the knowledge of mothers towards preconception care as well as routine provision of preconception care in the health care system.

Prevalence of adverse birth outcome and associated factors among women who delivered in Hawassa town governmental health institutions, south Ethiopia, in 2017.

BACKGROUND: Most pregnancies are unplanned in Ethiopia. This is due to ignorance of the types and efficacy of each method of contraception they are associated with vast and unpredictable complications. Most of the time, these complications result in adverse birth outcomes. Information about prevalence of adverse birth outcome and it's factors are relevant for designing, and initiating and intervening programs to decrease these undesirable out comes. OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence of adverse birth outcome and associated factors among women who delivered in Hawassa town governmental health institutions, south Ethiopia, in 2017. METHOD: We conducted institutional based cross sectional study among 580 pregnant women from december1-30/2017, by multistage systematic random sampling method in governmental health institution in Hawassa town. Data were collected through structured pre-tested, close ended and interview administered questionnaire in their post-partum period. Collected data was entered in Epi-info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval on multivariable logistic regression was computed and P-value< 0.05 considered as significance. RESULT: From a total of 580 respondents 106(18.3%) respondent's had child related adverse birth outcome. Previous History of child related adverse pregnancy outcome 4.2 (95%,CI = 2.5-6.9), Attend at list one antenatal care visit 2.3 (95%CI = 1.1-4.3), Own cat in the house 2.2 (95%,CI = 1.3-3.7), Had any chronic disease/s 2.1(95%,CI = 1.1-4.8), Age of the mother (from 35 to 45 Years) 2.3(95%,CI = 1.1-4.8), Poor participants' Knowledge on preconception care 3 (95%CI = 1.4-1.6) were significant predictor of adverse birth outcome in this study . CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Prevalence of adverse birth outcome was found to be significant in the current study. Presence of Previous History of adverse pregnancy outcome, on ante-natal attendance, presence of cat in the house, presence of chronic disease/s, younger mother and Poor Knowledge of preconception care were significant predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome. Therefore it is better to give more attention on expanding preconception and antenatal care. Creating awareness about family planning methods type and efficacy for women of reproductive health is mandatory. Services, increasing health education on personal hygiene vaccination of cats. Moreover, early detecting and treatment of chronic disease.

Knowledge of preconception care among healthcare providers working in public health institutions in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Preconception care (PCC) is an evidence-based health promotion intervention to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nevertheless, it is one of the missing elements within the continuum of maternal and child healthcare. Despite the WHO's recommendation, most of the developing countries have not yet started implementing preconception care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge level of healthcare providers about PCCand to identify predictors of effective knowledge of preconception care. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 634 healthcare providers (HCP) working in public health institutions of Hawassa. A pilot-tested and validated self-administered survey tool was used to collect data from individual healthcare providers who were selected randomly using a multistage sampling technique. The data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS version 20 software. Frequency, proportions, means and standard deviations were used to describe the data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were implemented to determine the predictors of HCP's PCC knowledge. RESULTS: Only a few (31%) of the healthcare providers demonstrated a good level of knowledge on preconception care. The odds of having good PCC knowledge was high among HCPs working in hospitals (AOR = 1.8, 95% C.I. 1.3-2.6), HCPs using their smart phone to access clinical resources (AOR = 1.4, 95% C.I. 1.1-2.0), among those HCPs ever have read PCC guideline prepared by organization outside of Ethiopia (AOR = 1.9, 95% C.I. 1.4-2.7), among those who claimed practicing PCC (AOR = 3.4, 95% C.I. 2.0-5.9), and among those who earn salary of ≥ 146.0 $(AOR = 1.5, 95% C.I. 1.1-2.1). CONCLUSION: There is an unacceptably low level of knowledge about PCC among most of the healthcare providers in public health facilities in Ethiopia. The predictors identified in this study can be used to enhance the knowledge of healthcare providers about preconception care.

Chronic diseases multi-morbidity among adult patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) multi-morbidity is becoming one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of NCCDs and multi-morbidity among adult patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). METHODS: Between January and February 2016, a cross-sectional study was carried out among patients aged ⩾ 18 years attending the outpatient department of the hospital. Trained nurses interviewed patients and reviewed medical records. Multi-morbidity was defined as the coexistence of two or more NCCDs in an individual. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty seven (55.2%) of the respondents had at least one of the NCCDs and 73 (17.8%) of them had multi-morbidity. The commonest diseases that affected the patients were diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The risk of having NCCDs was highest among patients aged above 44 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4.8). Non educated patients (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.7) and patients with high household income (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.5) and patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 25 (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.7) had higher odds of having NCCDs. Highest odds of multi-morbidity was observed among patients aged above 44 years (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI 2.2-8.8). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NCCDs and multi-morbidity among the study population was high. Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors; screening, treatment and follow-up of patients with NCCDs could help in reducing the burden of NCCDs multi-morbidity and its effect.

Prevalence of khat chewing and its effect on academic performance in Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Khat use is a well-established public health problem in Yemen, Arabian Peninsula, and Ethiopia. Along with its large scale production, the magnitude of khat use is increasing among students. OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to assess the prevalence, determinants, and effect of khat use on academic performance of high school students in Sidama Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2015. We used a stratified sampling technique to draw a total of 1,577 students. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to determine the prevalence, effects, and predictors of khat use. RESULT: The life time and current prevalence of khat use were 14.6% and 13%, respectively. Smoking cigarette (AOR=5.1, 95% C.I: 2.3-14.3), drinking alcohol (AOR=3.0, 95% C.I: 1.4-6.3), having a family growing khat (AOR=2.0, 95% C.I: 1.1-2.5), having friend chewing khat (AOR=3. 95% C.I: 2.0-4.6), were some of factors that increased the odds of students' khat use. Student's khat use increased the odds of student's poor academic performance (AOR=2.1, 95% C.I: 1.1-3.9). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of khat use in high khat producing districts of Sidama and its contribution to poor academic performance demand prompt intervention.

Determinants of alcohol use and khat chewing among Hawassa University students, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Students' alcohol and khat use have been associated with various health related problems. However, its magnitude and associated factors among Ethiopian students are not yet well documented. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol use, khat chewing and its associated factors among Hawassa University students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2011. Multistage stratified sampling technique was employed to select 590 students. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was entered and analysed by SPSS version 20.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association of different variables. RESULTS: The current prevalence of student's alcohol and khat use were 29.5% (95% CI: 25.8-33.3) and 16.3% (95% CI: 13.7-20.0) respectively. Being male (AOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-3.0) and living alone (AOR 20.1; 95% CI 2.5-166.7) had a higher odds of alcohol use. Similarly, family substance use history (AOR 4.8; 95% CI 2.5-9.3) and peer influence (AOR 4.6; 95% CI 2.3-9.0) had also higher odds of khat use. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The proportion of student's khat chewing and alcohol use was significant. Hence, higher education in collaboration with other stakeholders should work on convincing students about the ill effects of these substances.