Visual impairment and associated factors among primary school children in Gurage Zone,Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundVisual impairment is one of the major public health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among school children in Gurage Zone, Southern EthiopiaMethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in eight primary schools of Gurage Zone. A total of 1064 pupils, of whom589 boys and 475 girls were selected using multistage sampling technique. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using structured questionnaires and visual acuity was measured using Snellen''s chart. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of visual impairment.ResultsThe prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%. Factors significantly associated with visual impairment were age group of 13–18 years (AOR = 9.44, 95% CI = 3.83 – 23.25), school grade level of 5- 8 (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.23 – 7.17), rural residents (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.22 – 5.54), family''s monthly income of less than 2000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.08 – 7.61) and visually impaired parents (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.06 – 4.39).ConclusionThis study found that the prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%.     

The prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Public Hospitals,Northern Ethiopia

IntroductionA body of evidences showed that birth asphyxia is a serious public health problem in low income countries including Ethiopia. There are sparse data on the prevalence of birth asphyxia and its associated factors among neonates in low income countries like Ethiopia, as well as the research area.ObjectiveTherefore, this study determined the prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among newborns administered in public hospitals in Northern Ethiopia, 2019.Methods and materialsA cross-sectional study of health institution was carried out in December 2019. Systematic sampling technique was used. Data was collected through interviews and chart review. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was done to control confounders and identify significantly associated variable. AOR with 95% confidence intervals were computed to identify the factors independently assoiated with birth asphyxia.ResultsThe finding showed that the prevalence of birth asphyxia was 20.0%. Induction of labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36–9.46), Prolonged labor (AOR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.36–9.46), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR=3.49), referred mothers (AOR=3.68, 95 % CI: 1.46–9.28), instrumental delivery (AOR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.09–7.55)and primiparous mothers (AOR=2.048 95% CI: 1.10–3.80). were significantly associated with birth asphyxia.ConclusionThe Prevalence of birth asphyxia notable high. Therefore; intra-partum care services should be strengthened to prevent birth asphyxia.     

Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus specific IgG and IgM antibodies in North-Western and Western provinces of Zambia

BackgroundWest Nile Virus (WNV) infection has been reported worldwide, including in Africa but its existence in Zambia is unknown. Symptoms for the virus include headache, myalgia, arthralgia and rash.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of WNV and its correlates.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in North-Western and Western provinces of Zambia. Samples were subjected to IgG and IgM antibodies testing against WNV. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine magnitudes of association.ResultsA total of 3,625 of persons participated in the survey out of which 10.3% had WNV infection. Farmers were 20% (AOR=0.80; 95% CI [0.64, 0.99]) less likely to have infection compared to students. Meanwhile participants who lived in grass roofed houses were 2.97 (AOR=2.97; 95% CI [1.81, 4.88]) times more likely to be infected than those who lived in asbestos roofed houses. IRS was associated with reduced risk of infection (AOR=0.81; 95% CI [0.69, 0.94]). Travelling to Angola was associated with the infection [AOR=1.40; 95% CI [1.09, 1.81].ConclusionSpraying houses with insecticide residual spray would minimize mosquito-man contact. Furthermore, surveillance at the border with Angola should be enhanced in order to reduce importation of the virus into the country.     

Prevalence,predictors and reasons for home delivery amongst women of childbearing age in Dodoma Municipality in central Tanzania

IntroductionThe objective was to determine the prevalence, predictors and reasons for home delivery amongst women of childbearing age in Dodoma, Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted amongst women living in Dodoma Municipality. Data were collected using adapted questionnaires and analysed using SPPS version 23. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the independent predictors of home delivery.ResultsA total of 425 women of childbearing age were enrolled in this study. The mean (± SD) age of the participants was 28.7 (±7.1) years. The prevalence of home delivery was 35.5% (n=150, 95% CI 30.9 – 40.2). Women with secondary school and above had 93% less odds of home delivery than women who had no education (AOR=0.0795% CI: 0.03–0.18). Women who lived in rural areas (AOR=3.49, 95% CI: 2.12–5.75), and women living more than 5km from health facilities (AOR=2.67, 95% CI: 1.65–4.37) had higher odds of home delivery. The main reasons for home delivery were transportation cost, and long distance to the nearest health facilities.ConclusionIn this population, the prevalence of home delivery remained to be high. To address this more collaborative multisectoral effort like strengthening health education and strengthening maternity waiting homes are needed.     

Assessment of the relationship between life events with psychosocial competence of students in selected secondary schools in Northern and Central Uganda

IntroductionAs they grow, young people transit through adolescence; a particularly challenging phase. Many go through without difficulties but some experience maladaptive responses in form of conduct and adjustment problems, pubertal challenges and life stress. Published research from the developed societies demonstrates consistent associations between young people''s exposure to life events, psychosocial competence (PSC) and mental health problems. However, comparable research from income-constrained societies remains scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of life events in secondary school students and describe the relationship between life events and PSC in the same population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 2,902 randomly selected in Central and Northern Uganda. They responded to self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographics, life events and PSC.ResultsNorthern Ugandan students were more likely to be susceptible to stress-related illness associated with major life events (p = < 0.01). Among students with a high susceptibility to stress related illness, those with low scores on self-efficacy (p = < 0.001), accurate self-assessment (p = < 0.001) and self-confidence (p = < 0.001) were mostly from the North. Students from Northern Uganda had experienced more negative events. Students with higher scores on empathy, emotional awareness, accurate self- assessment and self-confidence tended to have low distress. Students that had a low susceptibility to stress related illness (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.57 – 2.48); high scores on self-efficacy (AOR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.74), self-confidence (AOR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.72), and accurate self-assessment (AOR 2.19; 95% CI: 1.70 – 2.80) were mostly from northern Uganda.ConclusionIt is important to help students to cope with negative life events since an association exists between negative life events and PSC domains. PSC domains of empathy, emotional awareness, accurate self-assessment and self-confidence seem to be associated with lower distress levels, implying that these should be reinforced.     

Predictors of non-adherence to medication and time to default from treatment on HIV infected patients under HAART: a comparison of joint and separate models

BackgroundEthiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan Africa with the highest number of people living with HIV. Amhara region is one of the regions in the country in which many people are under medication. The main objective of this research was to identify significant predictors of non-adherence to medication and time to default from treatment for HIV infected patients under HAART.MethodsA retrospective secondary data were obtained from a random sample of 220 HIV patients under HAART. Separate and joint modeling approaches were conducted in data analysis. Joint modeling was conducted for analysis of non-adherence to medication and the time to default from treatment. In the joint model, a GLMM and Cox PH sub-models were fit together for non-adherence to medication and time to default from treatment.ResultsThe significant predictors for the variables of interests in current investigation were length of visiting time(AOR of 95% CI=0.866 (0.752, 0.997), female patients(AOR of 95% CI= 0.219 (0.067, 0.717)), patients disclosed the disease(AOR of 95% CI= 0.353 (0.194,0.641)), patients who got social support(AOR of 95% CI= 0.252 (0.194,0.631)), patients living with parter(AOR of 95% CI=0.188 (0.042,0.844)), patients with owner of cell phone(AOR of 95%CI= 0.272 (0.081,0.916)), urban HIV patients(AOR of 94%CI= 0.238 (0.078,0.722)), patients with working functional status(AOR of 95% CI= 0.234 (0.079,0.692)), patients with normal BMI(AOR of 95% CI=0.921 (0.881, 0.963)), patients with high baseline CD4 cell count(AOR of 95% CI=0.873 (0.552, 0.997)).ConclusionSome groups of HIV patients were non-adherent to medication and defaulted from treatment. Health related education is recommended for non-adherent patients to be adherent for the prescribed medication and live long in the treatment.     

Predictors of utilization of facility-based ante-natal care and delivery services in a Nigerian Rural Community

BackgroundWith maternal mortality ratio of 2,000/100,000 live births and perinatal mortality rate of 40/1,000 total births, Cross River State is one of the states with the highest maternal and perinatal deaths in Nigeria. One of the causes of these poor health indices is low utilization of facility-based maternal and child healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth. The objective of this study was to assess the predictors of utilization of antenatal care and delivery services in Akpabuyo, a rural community in Cross River State of Nigeria.MethodThis was an analytical cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 370 pregnant women between June and July, 2013 and analyzed using SPSS version 25.ResultsBinary logistic regression showed that compared with women with tertiary education, women with non-formal education were less likely to attend antenatal clinic (AOR=0.510, 95% CI=0.219–1.188) although the difference was not statistically significant. Also, compared with farmers, full-time housewives were less likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR=0.650, 95% CI=0.305–1.389) while civil servants were nearly five times more likely to deliver in the health facility (AOR=4.750, 95%CI=1.616–13.962).ConclusionThe predictors of antenatal care and facility delivery services utilization identified by the study were educational status and occupation. This raises the need for policies and programmes to ensure girl child education and the economic empowerment of women.     

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of grand multiparity in Khartoum,Sudan

ObjectivesGrand multiparity is a major health problem that leads to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. We aimed to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of grand multiparity.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in Saad Abualila Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan from February to December 2019. The cases were grand multiparous (≥ 5 deliveries) women. The controls were women with low parity (multiparous women who delivered two to four times). Maternal and perinatal characteristics were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsThere was a significant association between grand multiparity and higher maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.16–1.23), lower education level (AOR=3.38, 95% CI=2.49–5.58) and lower antenatal care attendance (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.02–2.92). Grand multiparous women were at increased risk for Anemia (AOR=1.48, 95% CI=1.08–2.03), diabetes mellitus (AOR=10.61, 95% CI=4.89–23.00), caesarean delivery (AOR=1.87, 95% CI=1.40–2.48), preterm birth (AOR=1.90, 95% CI=1.37–2.62) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (AOR=3.8, 95% CI=1.95–7.75).ConclusionsGrand multiparity was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Development of a national health program addressing family planning, health education and improvement of antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal care are needed.     

Pattern and risk factors for childhood injuries in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania

BackgroundInjuries contribute to morbidity and mortality in children. This study was carried out to describe the pattern of childhood injuries and associated risk factors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsThis case control study was conducted in six selected health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Cases and controls were children below 18 years who had suffered injuries and those without injury associated condition respectively.ResultsA total of 492 cases and 492 controls were included in the study, falls (32%), burns (26%), Road Traffic Injuries (14%) and cuts (10%) were the major types of injuries identified. Younger parents/guardians {Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 1.4; 95% CI: 1.4 -3.6}, more than six people in the same house (AOR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.6), more than three children in the house {AOR= 1.4; 95% CI (1.0–2.0)}, absence of parent/guardian at time of injury occurrence (AOR= 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.3), middle socio-economic (AOR=1.6; 95%CI: 1.1–2.4) and low socio-economic status (AOR= 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0–2.1) were independent risk factors for childhood injury.ConclusionFalls, burns and road traffic injuries were the main injury types in this study. Inadequate supervision, overcrowding, lower socio-economic status and low maternal age were significant risk factors for childhood injuries.     

A gender comparison of psychological distress among medical students in Nigeria during the Coronavirus pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as a large scale stressor could have negative effects on the mental health of medical students. Since gender differences in mental health may exist, it is important to see if a large scale stressor like the pandemic may be associated with variances in the psychological distress between both genders.ObjectivesTo assess and compare the psychological distress of male and female medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1010 medical students from three universities in southwestern Nigeria within the first six months of the first reported case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents were purposively selected. Data was obtained online on participants'' demographic and psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 21, student t and chi-square tests were used to assess gender differences, and multivariate regression to assess the predictors of psychological distress among both genders. p values less than 0.05were considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, female participants (OR=1.455, 95% CI= 1.095–1.936) were twice more likely to have experienced psychological distress than males during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age (OR=0.922, 95% CI= 0.867–0.979), being in pre-clinical years (OR= 1.394, 95% CI= 1.004–1.938), having a family income less than 100,000 naira (OR= 1.379, 95% CI=1.442–6.723) a previous history of mental illness (OR=3.077, 95% CI= 1.430–6.615) and having a relative/acquaintance diagnosed with COVID 19(OR=1.646, 95% CI= 1.062–2.551) were independently associated with psychological distress among the respondents. When comparing both genders, among females, age (OR=0.886, 95% CI= 0.803–0.978), family income less than 100,000 naira (OR=1.898, 95% CI= 1.306–2.759) and a previous history of mental illness (OR=5.266, 95% CI= 1.894–14.635) were associated with psychological distress, while, being in pre-clinical years (OR= 1.713, 95% CI= 1.052–2.790) was associated with psychological distress among males.ConclusionFemales had more psychological distress compared to male students. It is recommended that gender-specific interventions addressing psychological distress among medical students are instituted.     

Recreational Drug Use,Polydrug Use and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Southwestern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Although recreational drug use is associated with risky sexual behaviors and HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), it is unclear to what extent these behaviors and outcomes differ between single-drug users and polydrug users in China. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from July to September 2016 among MSM in three cities of Sichuan Province, China. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to examine factors correlated with single-drug and polydrug use. A total of 1,122 participants were included in the study. Overall, 28% of MSM have ever used recreational drugs, of whom 64.0% were single-drug users, and 36.0% were polydrug users. Factors associated with both single-drug and polydrug use included: receptive sexual role (single-drug use: AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.05–3.07; polydrug use: AOR = 6.00, 95% CI: 2.54–14.17), engaging in group sex (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.28–3.87; AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.41–9.08), frequent alcohol use (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.75–5.52; AOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 2.50–16.47), seeking partners mainly by Internet (AOR = 4.87, 95% CI: 3.31–7.17; AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 2.58–8.14), history of STIs (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08–3.21; AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.77–6.26) and HIV infection (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.02–3.02; AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.62–6.26). Our findings suggest the urgent need for HIV and STIs prevention programs among MSM in China to integrate strategies that mitigate recreational drug use.     

Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among a sample of Moroccan type 2 diabetes patients

BackgroundObesity constitutes a major risk factor for the development of diabetes, and has been linked with poor glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic patients.AimsThis study examines the prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated factors in type 2 diabetic patients in the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region in Morocco.MethodsA questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among 975 diabetes patients attending primary health centres. Demographic and clinical data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height and waist circumference, were taken using standardized techniques and calibrated equipment.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 40.4%, the general obesity was 28.8% and the abdominal obesity was 73.7%. Using multivariate analysis, we noted that the general obesity was associated with female sex (AOR= 3,004, 95% CI: 1.761–5.104, P<0.001), increased age (AOR=2.192, 95% CI: 1.116–4.307, P<0.023) and good glycaemic control (AOR=1.594, 95% CI: 1.056–2.407, P=0.027), whereas abdominal obesity was associated wih female sex (AOR=2.654, 95% CI: 1.507–4.671, P<0.001) and insulin treatment (AOR=2.927, 95% CI: 1.031–8.757, P=0.048).ConclusionOverweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity were high among participants, especially among women. Taken together, these findings urge the implementation of a roadmap for this diabetic subpopulation to have a new lifestyle.     

Prevalence and factors associated with intergenerational sexual partnerships among undergraduate health science students in Eswatini

BackgroundIntergenerational sexual partnerships (IGSPs) put young people at an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS. However, their burden and predictors remain poorly understood.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and factors associated with IGSPs among undergraduate health science students at a selected tertiary institution in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).MethodsData were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 148 conveniently sampled undergraduate health science students at the University of Eswatini. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of IGSPs (i.e. a 10-year or greater age disparity between heterosexual partners).ResultsThere was equal participation of males and females in this study (50%, n=74). The prevalence of IGSPs among the sample was 31.8% (n=47). Females (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03–0.24) and those who received money from sexual partners (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.62) had lower odds of being in IGSPs.ConclusionBeing female and being a recipient of money from a sexual partner were negatively associated with IGSPs. The relatively high prevalene of IGSPs calls for health education campaigns targeting university students on the negative consequences associated with IGSPs, especially among young women.     

A multilevel analysis of the determinants of handwashing behavior among households in Eswatini: a secondary analysis of the 2014 multiple indicator cluster survey

IntroductionHandwashing with soap has received considerable attention due to its importance in the prevention and interruption of the transmission of diseases. Regardless of the positive effects of handwashing with soap, developing countries still have a low rate of handwashing.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the individual, household and community-level factors associated with handwashing behavior among households in EswatiniMethodsUsing the Eswatini Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted in 2014, a secondary analysis was done of the households surveyed. A total of 1,520 households nested in communities with complete data on handwashing practices were included in the analysis. Univariate, bivariate analysis and multivariate multilevel logistic regression were used to establish the factors that were associated with handwashing behavior.ResultsThe prevalence of handwashing among households was 56% in 2014. Households whose heads were aged 35–54 and 55 years and older were more likely to practice handwashing (AOR=1.88, 95% CI:1.39, 2.54); and (AOR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.205, 2.62) compared to those aged 15–34 years. Households with a pit latrine or no toilet facility at all, were less likely to practice handwashing (AOR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.35); (AOR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.71) respectively compared to those with a flush toilet. Region of residence was a community-level variable associated with lower odds of handwashing, with those from the Hhohho (AOR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.35) and Manzini region (AOR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.67) compared to Lubombo region. Households from communities where access to mass media was high were more likely to practice handwashing (AOR =1.47, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.03) compared to those from communities where access to mass media was lowConclusionHouseholds headed by young adults, with pit latrine or no toilet facility at all and lived in the Hhohho and Manzini regions and with low access to mass media, should be targeted for interventions aimed at improving handwashing practices.     

Exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Woldia Town,Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundInappropriate practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is still a major problem worldwide.ObjectiveTo identify exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Woldia TownMethodsA Community based cross-sectional study was carried out.Interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. The questionnaire was adapted from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Hosmer-Lemeshow model was fitted at a P-value of 0.91. Finally, Variables having P-Value <0.05 with 95% CI was considered as significant factors.ResultThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was 46.2% (95% CI: 42.0, 49.8). Being employed mothers (AOR=0.62,95% CI:0.44,0.87), being head of a household (AOR=0.52,95% CI:0.32,0.83), not g getting husband support (AOR:0.5,95%CI:0.34,0.74), not fed colostrum''s (AOR:0.36,95%CI:0.23,0.57), not affected by traditional belief (AOR:3.59, 95% CI:2.09–6.17) shows significant association with Exclusive breast feeding practice.ConclusionThe prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice was relatively lower than the National prevalence. Some demographic variable and traditional beliefs were significantly associated with exclusive breast feeding. Designing model policies that empower the role of women and eradicating bad traditional beliefs in the community is fundamental step.     

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV-TB co-infection among HIV patients: a retrospective Study

BackgroundTB/HIV co-infection is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. But the prevalence of co-infection was varies among countries.This study was designed to assess prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection and to determine its factors.MethodsA retrospective study was done among HIV-positive patients at Hiwot Fana hospital from December, 2014 to 2018. The study participants were selected by simple random sampling. Patients with incomplete chart reviews were excluded and demographic, clinical and laboratory information were analyzed using SPSS and STATA. Uni-vitiate and bivariate logistic regressions were applied.ResultsFive hundred fourteen patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 187(37.4%) had TB. Bivariate logistic analysis showed that HIV patients with regards to marital status[AOR = 2.6; 95%CI = 1.19–2.89], education status [AOR = 3.74; 95%CI = 2.47–5.66], weight less than 50kg [AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.35 – 4.81], CD4 level < 200cells/mm³ [AOR = 4.57; 95%CI = 2.38– 6.86] and patient who were at WHO clinical stage III [AOR = 7.8; 95%CI = 5.15 – 8.55] were significantly associated with TB/HIV co-infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of TB among HIV patients was high and predicted by marital, education status, weight, CD4 cell count and WHO clinical stage III.     

Determinants of early marriage among female children in Amhara Region,Ethiopia

BackgroundEarly Marriage is one of the global problems that undermine the personal development and the rights of women seriously. It is delicate among the developing countries such as Ethiopia. It has major consequences for public health, national security, social development, human rights, economic development, and gender equality.MethodsThe analyzed data were obtained from the 2016 EDHS and 1120 samples were considered in this analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model were used to identify the determinants of early marriage practice.ResultsThe prevalence of early marriage practice was 48.57% in the study area. The odds of early marriage practice were 2.04(AOR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.88, 2.45) times higher among rural residents compared to urban. The odds of early marriage practice was 0.94(AOR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.57, 1.98) times lower among women who had primary education compared to uneducated women. Those who did not know the legal marital age were 1.61(AOR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.26, 2.07) times more likely to practice early marriage compared to parents who knew the legal marital age.ConclusionEducation level, family monthly income, residence, literacy level and knowledge of legal marital were significant determinants of early marriage practice.     

Magnitude of post-operative mortality and associated factors among patients who underwent surgery in Wolaita Sodo teaching and referral hospital,SNNPR region,Ethiopia

BackgroundEach year 4.2 million people around the world die within 30 days of surgery and postoperative deaths account for 7.7 % of all deaths. So this study aimed to asses'' magnitude of postoperative mortality and associated factors among patients who underwent surgery in Wolaita Sodo University Teaching referral Hospital.MethodRetrospective cross sectional design was carried out from April 15–30 2019. Card review was done on 384 participants by using Systematic sampling technique. Entered to Epi Data; exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered to multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance is determined at p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe magnitude of postoperative mortality was 5.7%. Using surgical check list (AOR= 0.18; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.61), having comorbid condition (AOR= 4.45; 95% CI 1.39 to 14.19), and don''t having blood transfusion (AOR= 0.07; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.22) and general anesthesia (AOR= 4.37; 95% CI 1.17 to 16.30) are factors of post-operative mortality.ConclusionThe magnitude of postoperative mortality was high. Surgical check list, comorbidity, blood transfusion and general anesthesia are factors. The hospital should encourage using of surgical check list and work on comorbid patients to decrease the mortality.     

Prevalence and determinants of asphyxia neonatorum among live births at Debre Tabor General Hospital,North Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMore than one third of the neonatal deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH) are attributable to birth asphyxia. Most of these neonates are referred from maternity ward of the hospital. However, there is no recent evidence on the prevalence and specific determinants of birth asphyxia at DTGH. Besides, public health importance of factors like birth spacing weren''t addressed in the prior studies.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 240 newborns at delivery ward. The collected data were cleaned, coded and entered into Epi -data version 4.2 and exported to Stata version 14. Binary logistic regression model was considered and statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05 using adjusted odds ratio.ResultsThe prevalence of asphyxia neonatorum was 6.7 % based on the fifth minute APGAR score. From multi-variable logistic regression analysis, antenatal obstetric complications (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 3.75, 14.29), fetal malpresentation (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.21, 15.20), premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR = 6.56, 95% CI: 3.48, 18.12) and meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.76, 14.59) were significant predictors.ConclusionThe prevalence of fifth minute asphyxia neonatorum was relatively low. Fortunately, its predictors are modifiable. Thus, we can mitigate the problem even with our limited resources such as enhancing the existing efforts of antenatal and intra-partum care, which could help early detection and management of any obstetric and neonatal health abnormality.”     

Evolution of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in Italy between 1997 and 2015

ObjectivesTo analyse the variation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence and genotype distribution and their determinants in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who entered care between 1997 and 2015.MethodsHIV-infected patients enrolled in ICONA who were tested for HCV antibodies (HCV-Ab) were included.ResultsOverall 3407 of 12 135 (28.1%) were HCV-Ab+; and 735 of 12 135 (6.1%) were HBsAg+. Among patients whose HCV genotype was known, the most represented were genotypes 1 and 3. The prevalence of HCV infection decreased from 49.2% (2565/5217) during 1997–2002 to 10.2% (556/5466) during 2009–2015. The frequency of genotype 1a increased from 29.0% (264/911) to 43.0% (129/300), whereas genotype 3 decreased from 38.5% (351/911) to 27.0% (81/300). Independent predictors of HCV-Ab+ status were being female (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.50, p = 0.01), risk category (versus injecting drug users: men who have sex with men AOR 0.01, 95% CI 0.01–0.01, p <0.001; heterosexuals AOR 0.01, 95% CI 0.01–0.01, p <0.001; other/unknown AOR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01–0.02, p <0.001), being cared for in Central Italy (versus being cared for in Northern Italy: AOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98, p <0.001), being Italian-born (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.16–1.80, p = 0.001) and being enrolled in less recent calendar years (versus 1997–2002: 2009–2015 AOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.19–0.27, p <0.001; 2003–2008 AOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.41–0.61, p <0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCV infection in HIV-infected patients entering into care in Italy significantly declined in more recent calendar years. After adjusting for risk factors and calendar years, HCV co-infection was more frequent in females and in those born in Italy.