Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among graduating female students of jimma university, southwest ethiopia

Background

Emergency contraception refers to methods that women can use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, method failure or incorrect use. Unwanted pregnancy followed by unsafe abortion can be avoided by using different contraceptive methods including emergency contraceptives. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma University main campus.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma University main campus in 2009. The calculated sample size was allocated to each faculty proportions to size of female students. Then within the faculty the sample unit was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using self administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for widow version 16.0.

Results

A total of 389 (96.5%) volunteered graduating female students participated in the study. One hundred sixty three (41.9%) were ever heard of Emergency Contraceptive, only 11(6.8%) used the method. The common sources of information were friends 60 (36.5%), radio 37 (22.8%) and television 20 (12.3%). One hundred sixteen (71.2%) agreed to use Emergency Contraceptive when they practice unintended sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

Awareness and use of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma University was low. There is a need to educate adolescents about emergency contraceptives, with emphasis on available methods and correct timing of use.     

Bacteraemia among severely malnourished children in jimma university hospital, ethiopia

Background

Sever acute malnutrition severely suppresses every component of the immune system leading to increased susceptibility and severity to infection. However, symptoms and signs of infections are often unapparent making prompt clinical diagnosis and early treatment very difficult. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude of bacteraemia and antimicrobial sensitivity among severely malnourished children.

Methods

Severely malnourished children admitted in Jimma University Specialized Hospital were enrolled between October, 2009 to May, 2010. Blood samples were collected, processed and bacterial isolates were identified using standard bacteriological procedures. Then, antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined by using Kirby-Bauer technique.

Results

Bacteraemia was seen in 35 (20.6%) of the 170 study subjects. There were a total of 35 bacterial isolates, Gram positive bacteria constitute 24(68.6%) of the isolates, where Staphylococcus aureus was the leading Gram positive isolate while Klebsiella species were the dominant Gram negative isolates. Twelve (7.1%) children died and 4 (33.3%) of them had bacteraemia. While susceptibility was more than 80% to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone, increased level of resistance was documented to commonly used antibiotics, such as Amoxycillin, Co-trimoxazole and Chloramphenicol.

Conclusion

High prevalence of bacteraemia with predominating Gram positive isolates and increased level of resistance to commonly used antibiotics was shown among severely malnourished children in Jimma. Further studies are required to revise the current guideline for antibiotic choice.     

The pattern of cardiac diseases at the cardiac clinic of jimma university specialised hospital, South west ethiopia

Background

Rheumatic heart disease is the commonest cardiac disease in most sub-Saharan African countries, followed by hypertensive heart disease which is rising along with the other non-communicable diseases. However the pattern in our setting is not known. This study aimed to determine the pattern of cardiac diseases among adult patients on follow-up at the cardiac follow-up clinic of Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on cardiac patients who are newly enrolled to the cardiac follow up clinic of Jimma university specialized hospital during a five year period from 2003 to 2008. Out of the total 837 cases that were newly enrolled to the clinic in the five year period, 781 patients who had complete record about etiologic diagnosis were included in the study. The data were collected using structured record review checklist. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS for windows version 12.0.

Results

Rheumatic heart disease was the diagnosis in 256 (32.8%) of the cardiac cases on follow-up followed by hypertensive heart disease and cardiomyopathy accounting for 189 (24.2%) and 158 (20.2%) of cases, respectively. Among Rheumatic heart disease patients; male to female ratio was 0.86:1 and the mean age was 31.4 years. One hundred ninety three (75.4%) of the cases with rheumatic heart disease had echocardiographic report that showed valve(s) involvements of pure MS in 99 (51.3%) and combined MS, MR in 49 (25.4%). Overall, hypertension contributed for a total of 241 (30.9%) of cardiac patients that included 189 (24.2%) hypertensive heart disease and 52 (6.7%) as one major risk factor for ischemic heart disease.

Conclusion

Rheumatic, hypertensive and cardiomyopathic heart diseases accounted for more than three-quarters of cardiac diseases in the study population. This study highlighted the need for further study to determine the burden at community setting.     

Magnitude and pattern of injury in jimma university specialized hospital, South west ethiopia

Background

Injury statistics in Ethiopia provides little knowledge about its magnitude and related information needed for prevention. This study, therefore, aims to determine the magnitude and pattern of injury in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH).

Methods

A retrospective review of records of all injured patients seen at surgical outpatient department from April 09, 2010 to January 07, 2011; was conducted in January 2011. Data were collected using a structured checklist that was developed by adapting the World Health Organization instrument. Five degree holder nurses collected the data while investigators closely supervised. Socio demographic characteristics of the patients and injury related information were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16.0.

Results

Of 13500 patients who visited surgical outpatient department of JUSH during the study period, 1102(8.2%) were injury cases. The commonest mechanism of injury was blunt assault, 341(30.9%), followed by road traffic accident, 334(30.3). Fracture was the leading outcome of injury, 454(41.2%), followed by bruise or skin laceration, 404(36.7%). Significantly more males had cut, (AOR=2.0; 95% CI=1.2, 3.3) and stab, (AOR=3.0; 95% CI=1.6, 5.7), injuries compared to females. Conversely, significantly fewer males had burn, (AOR=0.4, 95% CI=0.2, 0.8) and road traffic accident, (AOR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5, 0.9), than females. Most, 715(95.8%), patients were presented to the hospital within one week. The commonest functional limitations were; difficulty to use hands, 312(28.3%) and difficulty to use legs, 217(19.7%). Eighty three, (7.5%) of the patients died and road traffic accident alone accounted for almost half, 179 (49.7%), of the severe injuries.

Conclusion

The magnitude of injury in the hospital was considerably high. Age and sex were predictors of injury. Appropriate prevention strategies should be designed and implemented against assault, road traffic accident and cut by sharp tool.     

Bacterial uropathogens in urinary tract infection and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in jimma university specialized hospital, southwest ethiopia

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections encountered by clinicians in developing countries. Area-specific monitoring studies aimed to gain knowledge about the type of pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections and their resistance patterns may help the clinician to choose the correct empirical treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the type and antibiotic resistance pattern of the urinary pathogens isolated from patients attending Jimma University Specialized Hospital from April to June 2010.

Methods

A hospital based cross sectional stud was conducted and urine samples were collected using the mid-stream “clean catch” method from 228 clinically-suspected cases of urinary tract infections and tested bacteriologically using standard procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for the isolated pathogens using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Results

Significant bacteria were detected from 9.2% of the total patients. The most common pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli (33.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19%) and S. saprophyticus (14.3%). E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest percentage of resistance to ampicillin and amoxacillin (100%) however, all isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. S. saprophyticus and S. aureus were resistant to ampicillin (100%) and amoxicillin (66.7%). For all UTI isolates, least resistance was observed against drugs such as ceftriaxone, gentamycin and chloramphenicol.

Conclusion

This study finding showed that E. coli isolates were the predominant pathogens and the presence of bacterial isolates with very high resistance to the commonly prescribed drugs that in turn leaves the clinicians with very few alternative options of drugs for the treatment of UTIs. As drug resistance among bacterial pathogens is an evolving process, routine surveillance and monitoring studies should be conducted to provide physicians knowledge on the updated and most effective empirical treatment of UTIs.     

Incidence, causes and outcome of obstructed labor in jimma university specialized hospital

Background

Obstructed labor is one of the common preventable causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Africa has the highest maternal mortality in the world, estimated at an average of about 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. This study was conducted to assess the incidence, causes and outcome of obstructed labor in Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods

Hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on all mothers who were admitted and delivered in the labor ward of Jimma University Specialized Hospital from November 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and checklist, and then analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16.0.

Results

The incidence of obstructed labor was 12.2%. Out of these 61.5% did not have antenatal care follow-up. Most of the cases, accounting for 145(81.0%), 160 (89.4%) and 170 (93.9%) were referred from health centers, visited the hospital after at least 12 hours of labor and came from a distance of more than 10 kilometers, respectively. The causes of obstructed labor were cephalo-pelvic disproportion in 121(67.6%) and malpresentation in 50 (27.9%) of the cases. The commonest maternal complications observed were uterine rupture in 55 (45.1%) and sepsis in 48 (39.3%) of the cases with complications. Forty-five point eight percent of fetuses were born alive and all had low first minute APGAR score.

Conclusion

The incidence of obstructed labor was high with high rate of complications. The antenatal care follow-up practice was also found to be low. Improved antenatal care coverage, good referral system, and availing comprehensive obstetric care in nearby health institution are recommended to prevent obstructed labor and its complications.     

Sexual behavior of Colombian female university students

The results of a survey of sexual behavior conducted among 113 female students of Caldas University, Manizales, Colombia, are reported. Among other findings, cumulative incidence of masturbation was 68.1% and that of premarital coitus 33.6%. On the other hand, 56.4% of the nonvirgins professed to have had oralgenital contacts and 28.2% of them said that they had experienced anal coitus. While 96.5% of the students admitted contact with pornographic materials and 40.4% had been sexually aroused by these materials, 18% of those subjects who had been exposed to romantic (nonsexually explicit) materials professed to have been sexually aroused. As to contraceptive practices, many students never used any contraceptive method, and 11.4% of the coitally experienced respondents admitted to having had an induced abortion. This study also shows a negative correlation between religiosity and the subjects' sexual behavior. Highly significant sex differences in sexual behavior among Colombian university students are also revealed when this study's findings are compared with data from male medical students.     

Sexual behavior among university students in Nigeria

Sexual behavior patterns among Nigerian university students and factors influencing them were studied. While premarital cohabitation is common, a large percentage (48%) had their first coital experience between the ages of 22 and 27. Religion does not appear to have a strong inhibiting influence on premarital sex, although it does affect the frequency of changing partners. Contraceptives, although known to almost all the respondents, are not widely used. The use of contraceptives had little influence on premarital cohabitation. Oral-genital, male-male, and female-female sexual practices are very uncommon.     

Weight-loss practices among university students in Mexico

Objective  

To evaluate the prevalence of weight-loss practices among university students from Tlaxcala, Mexico.     

Patients' preoperative expectation and outcome of cataract surgery at jimma university specialized hospital -department of ophthalmology

Background

Patient''s satisfaction for a given treatment is an important clinical outcome because a satisfied patient is more likely to comply with treatments, attend follow-ups and advocate the service to others. Therefore, knowing patients'' expectations before a planned procedure or treatment and the actual level of satisfaction and fulfillment of their initial expectations thereafter is much helpful. As far as the knowledge and experience of the researchers is concerned, there has not been any study conducted in Ethiopia to find out about patients'' preoperative expectations and postoperative level of satisfaction for actual outcomes. This study was therefore, conducted to describe and find out the relationship between preoperative expectations of cataract patients and the actual postoperative experience and their satisfaction level following the surgery at ophthalmology department in Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery was conducted from July 10 to Oct., 10, 2007 in the Ophthalmology department of Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Detailed interviews that included general and vision specific health status measures and patients'' preoperative expectations for cataract surgery outcomes were performed followed by visual acuity testing. Postoperatively, visual acuity testing was taken again and patients'' level of satisfaction with attained postoperative vision was assessed. Data were collected and filled in a separate questionnaire form for each patient, and entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 12.0.

Results

Of the 200 patients operated for cataract, 179 (89.5%) were followed for the whole five weeks. The average expected preoperative Visual Function-15 score was 96.3, compared to an achieved (postoperative) Visual Function-15 score of just 96.2. However, the most unrealistic expectations observed were reading small prints and doing fine handiwork. The final pinhole visual acuity postoperatively was ≤ 6/18 in 126 (70.4%) patients. Of the 78 (39%) patients who were bilaterally blind preoperatively, 5 (2.5%) patients remained blind postoperatively.

Conclusions

Significant improvements were obtained in clinical, functional, and perceived vision by cataract surgery involving extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantations. Expectations regarding visual functioning after cataract surgery were very high, and in most cases and in most cases they were fulfilled.     

Reproductive intentions and fertility regulation practices among university students

OBJECTIVE: To identify reproductive intentions and fertility regulation practices, including contraception and abortion, in a group of high schooling adolescents and young adults. METHODS: The data were gathered from a large quali-quantitative study carried out among University of S?o Paulo undergraduate students aged up to 24 years. The study sample consisted of 952 students who attended the university courses and were randomly drawn. In this first step, a self-administered questionnaire was applied to the students in the classroom. On the next step, in-depth interviews were applied to 33 volunteer students in a preset place. RESULTS: It was observed that the students' idealized family model is to have up to two children. The optimal age for having a first child is close to 30. The students referred high contraceptive use, especially condoms and the pill. High proportion of abortion was also observed. Consequently, fertility is considerably low in the study group, i.e., 27 students reported having one or more pregnancies. Qualitative data were not analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the idealized family size reflects a general trend in the Brazilian society, it can be noted that the group delays maternity/paternity for the sake of a life project of getting a university degree and having autonomy. Despite that, contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases are poor.     

Dieting practices and body image perception among Lebanese university students

Dieting is becoming a popular phenomenon among university students to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. The purpose of this study is to obtain a preliminary understanding of what dieting practices university students use in order to achieve their desirable body weight and to determine the magnitude of body dissatisfaction in relation to weight status among a sample of students (n=252) from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Students filled out a self-reported questionnaire that included questions on their dieting and physical activity practices in addition to the body shape questionnaire (BSQ). Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Percentage body fat was measured using Tanita scale body fat analyzer 300A. The outcome of this study showed that smoking and unhealthy dieting practices were not common among students (only 26% reported smoking, 8% reported taking laxatives and 4% taking diet pills). Half of the students reported practicing regular physical activity. Multivitamin intake was also not popular among students. BSQ scores indicate that the majority of students were not worried about their body image perception (64% reported not being worried, 19% were slightly worried, 12% were moderately worried and 5% were extremely worried). A gender difference was observed in the BSQ scores, as 89% of the "extremely worried" students were females. Collectively, results indicate that unhealthy dieting practices are uncommon among students. However, developing health promotion awareness' programs to promote good self image within the concept of a realistic healthy weight will be beneficial, especially among females.     

Sexual satisfaction and sexual health among university students in the United States

Despite the World Health Organization's definition of sexual health as a state of well-being, virtually no public health research has examined sexual well-being outcomes, including sexual satisfaction. Emerging evidence suggests that sexual well-being indicators are associated with more classic measures of healthy sexual behaviors. We surveyed 2168 university students in the United States and asked them to rate their physiological and psychological satisfaction with their current sexual lives. Many respondents reported that they were either satisfied (approximately half) or very satisfied (approximately one third). In multivariate analyses, significant (P < .05) correlates of both physiological and psychological satisfaction included sexual guilt, sexual self-comfort, self-esteem (especially among men), relationship status, and sexual frequency. To enhance sexual well-being, public health practitioners should work to improve sexual self-comfort, alleviate sexual guilt, and promote longer term relationships.     

Gender differences in health-related practices among university students in northeast Thailand

The study aims at appraising gender differences in health-related practices, and health behaviour among university students of the Khon Kaen University, northeast Thailand, using a self-administered questionnaire. Of 539 university students, there were 155 males, 384 females, with mean ages 19.7 (+/- 1.2) and 19.6 (+/- 1.1) years, respectively. Persistent health problems were not significantly different between male and female students (12.9% vs. 15.4%). An average body mass index (BMI) was significantly different between male and female students (20.2 +/- 2.1 vs. 19.8 +/- 2.1). Female students reported positive health habits, in terms of drinking, smoking, sun protection, tooth brushing, fruit consumption, conscious efforts to avoid fat and cholesterol, over men, while regular exercise and safety belt use were more likely practised among male students. Using ANOVA and pairwise multiple comparisons, female students demonstrated better health eating habits than men (p = 0.0001). Coronary heart disease preventive habits between the medical and nonmedical faculty was greater for female students than for male students (p = 0.0006 for gender; p = 0.0001 for faculty). Health behaviour (combination of health eating habits, deliberate nutritional practices and coronary heart diseases preventive behaviour) was found to be better practised among women than men (p = 0.0001). These findings, therefore, should focus attention on university students as a target group for health education.     

Drinking history, current drinking and problematic sexual experiences among university students

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of potentially harmful sexual experiences attributed to drinking in university students, their association with current drinking, and the influence of past high school binge drinking and age at first drink. Method: A web‐based survey of undergraduates on six university campuses in New Zealand (n=2,548; response rate 63%) measured self‐reported alcohol consumption and harms from own or others' drinking in the preceding four weeks, previous binge drinking and age of drinking onset. Results: Among drinkers during the four weeks, 5% of women and 8% of men reported unsafe sex due to drinking, 3% of women and 4% of men had sex they were unhappy about at the time, and 8% of women and 9% of men had sex they later regretted. Unwanted sexual advances due to someone else's drinking affected 21% of women and 12% of men, with 0.5% of both men and women reporting sexual assault. Current level of drinking was positively associated with all outcomes, but most strongly with unsafe sex. Binge drinking at high school and early drinking onset were also associated with each outcome, and only partly explained by current drinking. Conclusion: Unsafe, unhappy and unwanted sexual experiences attributed to drinking are common at university and associated with heavier drinking, previous high school binge drinking and early drinking onset. Implications: Despite an incomplete understanding of contributing causes, reduction in hazardous drinking among university students is likely to reduce risky and unwanted sexual experiences along with other alcohol‐related harm. Strategies to reduce drinking at earlier ages are also warranted.     

Risky Sexual Behavior and Predisposing Factors among Students of Jimma University,Ethiopia

Background

Students of higher institutions are assumed to be exposed to many risky sexual behaviors. However, little has been explored about the magnitude of risky behavior and predisposing factors in the context of higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the pattern of risky sexual behaviors and predisposing factors among Jimma University students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2009 involving quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study was conducted on 1010 students selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS V.16.0. Multi-variate logistic regression was used to see association between variables. The qualitative part involved 10 focus group discussions and 17 key-informant interviews selected purposively. The qualitative data were analyzed by thematic areas.

Results

Among the respondents, 267(26.9%) ever had sexual intercourse. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.7±2.7 years. Most, 75.6%, started sexual intercourse during secondary school. Among whoever had sex, 51.0% had sex in the last 12 months and 28.3% had multiple sexual partners. Consistent condom use with non-regular partner in the last 12 months was 69.1%. Lack of parental control, substance use, peer pressure, campus and outside environment were identified as predisposing factors.

Conclusion

Risky sexual behaviour such as having multiple sexual partner and sexual practice without condom with non-regular partner exists. The university and local health bodies should work together to address the identified risky behaviours with particular focus on Behaviour change communication.     

Predictors of Early Initiation of Vaginal and Oral Sex Among Urban Young Adults in Baltimore, Maryland

Over the past three decades, most research on adolescent sexual behavior has focused on vaginal intercourse and related behaviors, including contraception and unintended pregnancy. In this study, we describe the prevalence and correlates of vaginal, oral, and anal sex in an epidemiologically defined population in Baltimore, Maryland. Young adults (ages 18–24), who had been enrolled in a behavioral intervention trial during elementary school, were interviewed by telephone between 1998 and 2002 to assess their sexual behavior. Of 1679 respondents interviewed, 70.8% were Black and 55% were women. Overall, 93% of the young adults reported vaginal intercourse, 78% reported receiving oral sex, 57% reported performing oral sex, and 10% reported receptive anal intercourse. Among men, 27% reported insertive anal intercourse. Blacks initiated vaginal intercourse at an earlier age than Whites; White women performed oral sex earlier than Black women. Significant interactions were observed between age of first vaginal partner and both gender and race/ethnicity. Blacks with older partners initiated sex at an earlier age than both Blacks with a partner the same age or younger and Whites. We also observed a relationship between older female sex partners and earlier vaginal sex initiation among men. We conclude that older sex partners play an important role in sexual initiation among young adults. In light of the rates of oral and anal sex, sexual education and intervention programs should address the risk for unintended consequences of these behaviors.     

武汉市在校大学生男男性行为者心理健康状况研究

目的 分析武汉市在校大学生男男性行为者(MSM)心理健康状况,为高危行为群体艾滋病干预提供参考依据.方法 采用“滚雪球”的方式,应用心理健康症状自评量表(SCL-90)测量目标人群,并结合心理访谈研究目标人群心理健康状况,采用SPSS 11.5软件对数据进行描述性分析及t检验.结果 共测量120名大学生MSM,其SCL-90测试的总均分为2.73(s=0.51);MSM已公开性向比未公开者心理健康水平好(t=17.325,P＜0.01);有稳定同性伴侣的MSM比无稳定同性伴侣者心理健康水平好(t=7.286,P＜0.05);接受相关心理辅导和参加相关心理援助活动对改善MSM的心理健康水平有显著影响(F=31.54,P0.01).结论 大学生MSM普遍存在中等甚至严重的心理困扰,应开展相应心理辅导.