Magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. evidence from Dabat demographic health surveys

BACKGROUND

Due to additional roles and emotional changes that occur during postpartum period, women use contraceptives differs from other times in their life. However, there is limited information about the unmet need for family planning (FP) among women in the extended postpartum period in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was performed using the Dabat Demographic and Health Survey 2021. A total sample of 634 women during the extended postpartum period was included in this study. Stata version 14 statistical software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were described using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Multicollinearity was tested using the variance inflation factor (VIF) and we computed Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤ 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The overall unmet need for FP during the extended postpartum women was 42.43% (95% CI: 38.62, 46.33), of which 33.44% was unmet need for spacing. Place of residence (AOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.61, 4.33), place of delivery (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.35, 3.24), and availability of radio and or TV (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.13) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of unmet need for family planning among women during the extended postpartum period in the study area was high when compared to the national average and the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for family planning. Place of residence, place of delivery, and availability of radio and or TV were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Hence, the concerned bodies are recommended to promote intuitional delivery and give spatial attention to those who are residing in rural areas and to those who have had no media exposure in order to reduce the unmet need for family planning among postpartum women.

Factors affecting birth interval among mothers in Dabat district, Amhara Regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study, 2022

Introduction

Birth interval is the time period from live birth to a successive pregnancy or successive live birth which is the recommended to be at least 2 years or at least 33 months respectively. Both short and long birth intervals are associated with poor health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the length of birth intervals and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Dabat district.Methods: community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021. This study was done on 1262 multi para women. Five days training was given for the data collectors and supervisors. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis were done. Those variables which had P-value less than 0.25 in the bi variable analysis were entered to multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05 was used to determine significant determinants of birth interval.

Result

This study revealed that the magnitude of short and long birth interval was 30.59% and 22.82% respectively. Wealth status (poor: AOR = 0.72, CI: 0.53, 0.97), maternal education (Diploma and above: AOR = 2.79, CI: 1.18, 6.56), ANC follow up (having ante natal care: AOR = 2.15, CI: 1.72, 2.69), husband occupation (Employed: AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.03, 3.01) and history of abortion (abortion: AOR = 2.48, CI: 1.08, 5.66) were statistically significant factors.

Conclusion

Higher percentage of mothers have either short or long birth interval. Birth interval is affected by socio demographic characteristics of mothers and husbands.

Inadequate receipt of ANC components and associated factors among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia, 2020-2021: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Women's health and pregnancy outcomes are directly depends on the extent of ANC components received during their ANC visits. There are limited information about the components of ANC and associated factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of inadequate recipient of ANC components and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

This is a community based cross sectional survey conducted in Dabat Demographic and health survey from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021 among women who gave birth within two years before the survey. This study applied a census method to identify and select eligible pregnant women. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis purpose. Adjusted Odds Ratio at 95% confidence interval was used to show the association between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 871 pregnant women were identified from the survey and included in this study. Overall, 96.67% (95% CI: 95.24, 97.67) had not get adequate (all components) ANC. The components of ANC services were increased from 3.35 to 32.34%, 2.52 to 46.33% 1.96 to 55.8%, 2.31 to 46.53%, 3.54 to 55.75%, 2.46 to 44.62%, 1.18 to 45.96%, and 2.45 to 54.6% for tetanus toxoid Vaccine, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, danger sign, place of delivery, deworming, iron folic acid, family planning, and breast feeding counseling, from first ANC visit to fourth ANC visit, respectively. Rural residence (AOR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.21, 19.86), and less than four number of ANC visit (AOR = 5.15, 95% CI: 2.06, 12.86) were significantly associated with inadequate uptake of ANC components.

CONCLUSION

Only three in hundred pregnant women were received adequate ANC components in the study area. Rural residence and less than four number of ANC visit were factors significantly associated with inadequate ANC uptake. Therefore, the district health department managers and program implementers need to train the health care providers about the components of ANC. As well, increasing community and facility awareness of WHO recommendations on ANC visits focusing on rural women is needed.

Complete childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Dabat demographic and health survey site, Ethiopia, 2022

INTRODUCTION

Childhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to prevent children's mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, but the Covid-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have strained health systems, and worldwide 25 million children missing out on vaccination in 2021. Of the 25 million, more than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complete childhood vaccination coverage and associated factors in the Dabat district.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021Gregorian Calendar. The data for this study was extracted from information collected for the assessment of maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health and health services utilization in the Dabat demographic and health survey site. Vaccine-related data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the presence and the direction of the association.

RESULTS

Based on vaccination cards and mothers/caretakers' recall 30.9% (95%CI: 27.9-34.1%) of children aged 12-23 months in the Dabat district were completely immunized. Urban residency [AOR 1.813, 95% CI: (1.143, 2.878)], delivered in the health facility [AOR = 5.925, 95% CI: (3.680, 9.540)], ANC follow-up during their pregnancy [AOR 2.023, 95% CI: (1.352, 3.027)], rich wealth index [AOR = 2.392, 95% CI: (1.296, 4.415)], and parity [AOR 2.737, 95% CI: (1.664, 4.500)] were significantly associated with complete child vaccination.

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

Complete vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months in the Dabat district was lower than the Global vaccine plan and Ethiopian ministry of health goal in 2020. Therefore, Health care providers and other stakeholders should mobilize the community to improve mothers' health-seeking behavior toward pregnancy follow-up and health facility delivery to improve childhood vaccination. Besides, expanding the service to remote areas are necessary to increase the immunization access.

Incidence, time to recovery and predictors among neonates admitted with respiratory distress to the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021

BACKGROUND

One of the major factors contributing to newborn morbidity and mortality across the globe is respiratory distress. In resource-constrained developing nations like Ethiopia, it is a significant issue. Depending on the quality of the care provided, the incidence and time to recovery may differ amongst medical facilities. However, Ethiopia still lacks appropriate data on the incidence and time to recovery from respiratory distress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence, time to recovery, and predictors among neonates admitted with respiratory distress in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study design was conducted among 452 neonates with respiratory distress. Data were collected using a data extraction checklist from the medical registry. The extracted data were entered into EPI INFO version 7.2.1.0 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. The median time to recovery, the Kaplan Meier curve, and the log-rank test was computed. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression models were applied to analyze the data. p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of all respiratory distressed neonate,311 were recovered. The overall incidence rate of neonates admitted with from respiratory distress was 11.5 per 100-neonate day (95% CI: 10.30-12. 87) with 2,703-person day observation and the median time to recovery from respiratory distress was 7 days with (IQR = 3-13 days). Predictors of time to recovery from respiratory distress were very low birth weight (AHR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08-0.41), low birth weight (AHR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.81), very preterm (AHR = 0.42,95% CI:0.20-0.89), sepsis (AHR = 0.50 95% CI: 0.38-0.65), hypothermia (AHR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.81), and Apgar scores less than seven at first (AHR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.79) and fifth minute (AHR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.20-0.97).

CONCLUSION

The incidence and time to recovery in this study were discreetly acceptable as compared to previous study. The aforementioned predictors could be used to identify neonates with respiratory distress who are at risk of developing a long-term illness and guide prompt referral to hospitals. This will also provide clinicians with prognostic information, as longer recovery times have economic and social implications in resource limited countries like Ethiopia.

Predictors of time to recovery of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome admitted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital neonatal intensive care unit North West Ethiopia

Background

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is caused by a deficiency of a molecule called surfactant. It occurs in newborns born before 37 weeks of gestation. It is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in the early neonatal period.

Therefore, this study aims to assess median time to recovery and predictors of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome admitted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital Northwest Ethiopia 2020.

Methods

Institution based retrospective follow up study was conducted on 386 preterm neonates with hyaline membrane disease who were admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit from January, 2016 to December 2018. The data were entered in to EPI info version 7.0 and transferred to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multi variable Weibull parametric model were fitted to identify predictors with 95% confidence interval of hazard ratio (HR) and p-value. P-value less than 0.05 in the multivariable model showed the presence of significant association between covariates and the dependent variable.

Results

The overall median length of recovery were 11 day with an interquartile range of (7, 16) neonate-days. Being a product of multiple pregnancy (AHR 1.67; 95%CI (1.25, 2.23)), vaginal mode of delivery (AHR 1.6; 95%CI (1.13, 2.26)), and neonatal hypothermia at admission (AHR 1.6; 95%CI (1.13, 2.26)) were found to be significant predictors of time to recovery.

Conclusion

In this study the median time to recovery of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome was slower than the clinical recommendations. Receiving bag and mask ventilation and hypothermia decreased the recovery whereas, vaginal delivery gestational age at birth, being multiple pregnancy, birth weight ≥2000grams were enhance the recovery of preterm neonates with RDS.

Prevalence of violence and associated factors among youth in Northwest Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study

Background

Violence as a known serious public health problem affects people in all stages of life, from childhood to the elderly. In society, one of the most visible forms of violence is young people violence, whereas they, adolescents and young adults, are the main victims of such violence. There was limited information on the burden of violence and factors among this age group. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of violence and its associated factors among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to estimate the magnitude of violence among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia. Data were taken from the mega project entitled assessment of common health problem and risky health behavior among youth. Youth violence was the dependent variable whereas the socio-demographic variables and substance use were the independent-variables. The bivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine factors associated with violence.

Results

From the total 1765 representatives of the youth population,1597 (90.5%) youth participated in the study. Overall, the prevalence of violence among youth aged 15–24 years for the last 12 months was 21.5%. In the multivariable logistic regression model, factors significantly associated with violence were being married and divorced (AOR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.79) and (AOR = 5.67, 95%CI: 2.93, 10.99), respectively, living with mother’s only (AOR = 1.85,95%CI: 1.28, 2.66) and father’s only (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.63), and substance use (AOR = 2.38,95% CI: 1.56, 3.66).

Conclusions

The prevalence of violence among youth was high compared to other studies. Special emphasis Should be given for youth violence in order to manage the victims as well as for preventing and controlling the identified factors through strengthening policies and strategies.

Neonatal mortality and associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Gandhi memorial hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019

Background

Ethiopia witnessed an unprecedented decline in under-5 and neonatal mortalities since 2000. But, neonatal mortality still accounts for the largest proportion of under-five child mortality. Quality of service at hospitals may vary and determine the magnitude of neonatal mortality.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal mortality among newborns Admitted to the Neonatal intensive care unit of Gandhi Memorial Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 31, 2019. A sample of one in every 2 admitted patients was included in the study. our exclusion criterion was neonates who had no mothers or guardians and/or neonatal medical records incomplete for status at discharge. We used the Systematic random sampling technique to select the study participants. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a preliminary tested checklist were used to collect primary and secondary data respectively. Descriptive and summary statistics were performed. A binary logistic regression model was fitted and variables that had a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 570 neonates who have mothers were involved in the study giving a response rate of 98.8%. The prevalence of neonatal mortality was 7.7% (95% CI: 5.7, 9.8). Mothers' educational status (No education (AOR 3.37, CI 95%, 1.02–11.20), premature rupture of membrane (prolonged PROM) (AOR 5.59, CI 95%, 1.05–29.76), and birth weight less than 2500gm (AOR 3.23, CI 95%, 1.17–8.90) are the significant factors associated with neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

The prevalence of neonatal mortality at Gandhi memorial hospital was generally high. As our finding revealed, neonates who are underweight and whose mothers have no formal education as well as have prolonged PROM have higher odds of neonatal mortality. Thus, clinicians, policymakers, and program managers should give special attention to neonates of none educated mothers, mothers with prolonged PROM, and neonates with low birth weight.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03339-6.

Prevalence and risk factor for mistreatment in childbirth: In health facilities of Gondar city, Ethiopia

Background

Providing compassionate and respectful maternity care to mothers is a vital intervention to improve health outcomes of women and newborns. However, there is less data of compassionate and respectful maternity care in Gondar city. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of mistreatment and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at the public health facilities in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2019 in Gondar city public nine health facilities. A total of 584 randomly selected women in the postpartum period were recruited in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to see whether there was an association between mistreatment and independent variables. Finally, the logistic regression analysis was done by stratifying type of parity and mode of delivery.

Results

Overall, 73.2% (95% CI: 69.7–76.7%) of the women were mistreated during their childbirth care. Non-consented care was the most commonly experienced form of mistreatment (63.6%, 95% CI: 59.6–67.6%). Having less than four antenatal care follow-up visits (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.04–6.29), giving birth in the hospital (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.52–5.27), and facing complications during delivery (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.52–3.98) were significantly associated with mistreatment among postpartum mothers.

Conclusions

This study showed a lower proportion of mistreatment than other studies in Ethiopia. Having less than four ANC follow up, place of current delivery, and facing complication during delivery were identified as the determinants of mistreatment. Therefore, this calls for strengthening actions, like providing maternity education during antenatal care and appropriate management of complications to improve the quality of maternity care at health facilities, and enhancing hospital working health workers capacity on compassionate and respectful maternity care.

Factors associated with decision-making power of married women to use family planning in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of demographic health surveys

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, there are several socio-economic and cultural factors which affect women’s ability to make decision regarding their own health including the use of contraceptives. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine factors associated with decision-making power of married women to use family planning service (contraceptives) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

The appended, most recent demographic and health survey datasets of 35 sub-Saharan countries were used. A total weighted sample of 83,882 women were included in the study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were done to determine the associated factors of decision-making power of married women to use family planning service in sub-Saharan countries. The Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated for those potential variables included in the final model.

Results

Married women with primary education (AOR = 1.24; CI:1.16,1.32), secondary education (AOR = 1.31; CI:1.22,1.41), higher education (AOR = 1.36; CI:1.20,1.53), media exposure (AOR = 1.08; CI: 1.03, 1.13), currently working (AOR = 1.27; CI: 1.20, 1.33), 1–3 antenatal care visits (AOR = 1.12; CI:1.05,1.20), ≥ 4 ANC visits (AOR = 1.14;CI:1.07,1.21), informed about family planning (AOR = 1.09; CI: 1.04, 1.15), having less than 3 children (AOR = 1.12; CI: 1.02, 1.23) and 3–5 children (AOR = 1.08; CI: 1.01, 1.16) had higher odds of decision-making power to use family planning.

Mothers who are 15–19 (AOR = 0.61; CI: 0.52, 0.72), 20–24 (AOR = 0.69; CI: 0.60, 0.79), 25–29 (AOR = 0.74; CI: 0.66, 0.84), and 30–34 years of age (AOR = 0.82; CI: 0.73, 0.92) had reduced odds off decision-making power to use family planning as compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Age, women’s level of education, occupation of women and their husbands, wealth index, media exposure, ANC visit, fertility preference, husband’s desire in terms of number of children, region and information about family planning were factors associated with decision-making power to use family planning among married women.

Suicide attempt and its determinants among youth in central, north, and west Gondar zones, northwest Ethiopia: Findings from the youth health project

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is a deliberate attempt to take one's own life. Suicidal behavior among adolescents and young people, a significant global public health issue, is under-researched, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and their determinants among school-aged and out-of-school youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones of Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 March to 15 April 2019, among youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones. The data for this study were extracted from information collected for the assessment of common health problems and risky behaviors among youth. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect the data using face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the independent determinants of suicide attempts. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the presence and direction of the association between the dependent and independent variables.

RESULTS

A total of 1,597 youth participated in this study, and the mean age of the participants was 19.1 ± 2.8 standard deviations (SDs). The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in the study participants was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.4, 6.8%). Risky sexual practices (AOR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.19-2.99), the presence of common mental health problems (AOR = 6.31, 95% CI: 3.78-10.88), having a personal income (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05-2.71), and a history of violence (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.76-4.49) were significantly associated with a suicide attempt.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts among youth is high. The presence of common mental health problems, having a personal income, risky sexual practices, and a history of violence increase the likelihood of suicide attempts. Working on the reduction of risky sexual practices, ensuring the integration of psychological treatment into medical treatment programs for victims of violence, psychosocial support for young people, and integrating youth-friendly health services to promote mental health would help to reduce suicide attempts among youth.

Time to first birth and its determinants among married female youths in Ethiopia, 2020: survival analysis based on EDHS 2016

Introduction

The first birth is the most significant events in a woman's life that indicates the beginning of undertaking the intensive responsibilities of motherhood and childcare. Age at first birth has health, economic and social consequences and implications. But little has been known on the time to first birth and its determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research is planned to address this issue.

Objectives of the study

To assess the time to first birth and its determinants among married female youths in Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

The data was accessed freely through (https://www.dhsprogram.com). Survival analysis of time to first birth was done based on EDHS 2016 data among 2597 weighted study subjects. The data was extracted using STATA version 14.0. Kaplan Meier’s survival and Log rank test were used to compare survival experiences of respondents using categorical variables. Proportional hazard assumption was checked and was not violated. Cox proportional hazard model was applied, hazard ratio with 95% CI was computed and variables with p value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as significant determinants.

Results

Overall median survival time was 18 years (IQR = 17–20). The significant determinants of time to first birth are place of residence (being rural (AHR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.13, 1.97),Religion (being Muslim [AHR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.22, 2.02),being protestant (AHR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.34, 2.24)], age at first sex [first sex < 15 years (AHR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.23, 2.29)] and first sex between 15 and 17 years (AHR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.29, 1.85), age at first marriage (marriage < 15 years (AHR = 6.52, 95% CI 4.91, 8.64), marriage between 15 and 17 (AHR = 2.63, 95% CI 2.20, 3.14), unmet need for family planning (AHR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.00, 1.52)

Conclusion

In this study, the median age at first birth was 18 years. This show, about 50% of study participants give birth for the first time before their 18th birth day. This age is the ideal age for schooling and to do other personal development activities. Therefore giving birth before 18 year will limit female youths from attending school and performing personal development activities in addition to health and demographic consequences of early child bearing.

Effect of Community-Based Health Insurance on Healthcare-Seeking Behavior for Childhood Illnesses Among Rural Mothers in Aneded District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes have been implemented in developing countries to facilitate modern medical care access. However, studies conducted on the effect of CBHI on healthcare-seeking behavior (HSB) have been limited and revealed inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of CBHI on mothers' HSB for common under-five childhood illnesses.

METHODS

A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 rural mothers (205 insured and 205 non-insured), and a multistage random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binary logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to identify factors associated with the mothers' HSB, and estimate the effect of CBHI on mothers' HSB, respectively.

RESULTS

The overall mother's HSB for childhood illnesses was 48.8% (200/410). From those mothers who visited healthcare, 92.0% were married, 86.0% were unable to read and write, 94.5% were farmers, and 54.5% were from low wealth status, 58.50% had a family size of ≤5, 54.0% had children less than 24 months of age. Besides, 63.0% were members of CBHI, 37.0% perceived their child's illness as severe, 78.0% made a shared decision to visit a health facility, and 67.5% lived within less than five Kms from the nearby health facilities. Being a member of CBHI, the child's age, decision to visit a health facility, and perceived disease severity were predictors of HSB. The CBHI had a significant effect on the HSB for childhood illnesses with ATT of 28.7% (t = 3.959).

CONCLUSION

The overall mothers' HSB for common childhood illnesses was low though the CBHI has a significant effect. CBHI should be strengthened to improve the mothers' HSB. It is also crucial to strengthen awareness creation regarding joint decision-making and educate mothers to visit the health facilities regardless of children's age and disease severity.

Knowledge and Associated Factors of Postpartum Contraceptive Use Among Women in the Extended Postpartum Period in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

The choice of a postpartum contraceptive method and the timing of its initiation depend on the woman’s knowledge regarding postpartum contraceptives use. Also, women’s perception towards family planning is reliant on good knowledge and has a great influence on their attitudes and practices. There is limited information on the knowledge and associated factors of postpartum contraceptive use among women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and associated factors of postpartum contraceptive use among women in the extended postpartum period.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 5, 2018 to December 5, 2018 among postpartum women in six health institutions in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of knowledge of postpartum contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Out of 403 participants, 299 (74.2%) had good knowledge on postpartum contraceptive use. Being urban residents (AOR=2.95, 95% CI=1.34–6.48), previous modern contraceptives use (AOR=5.15, 95% CI=1.16–22.88), health facility delivery (AOR=4.10, 95% CI=1.20–13.98), and counseling about family planning during PNC (AOR=3.80; 95% CI=1.52–9.51) were significantly associated with good knowledge.

Conclusion

This study showed that the knowledge of women regarding postpartum contraceptives was relatively low. Therefore, increasing institutional delivery service and counseling about family planning during the postpartum period should get more focus to address the knowledge gap of postpartum mothers.

Early marriage and women's empowerment: the case of child-brides in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Women, especially those who marry as children, experience various forms and degrees of exclusion and discrimination. Early marriage is a harmful traditional practice that continues to affect millions around the world. Though it has declined over the years, it is still pervasive in developing countries. In Ethiopia, Amhara National Regional State (or alternatively Amhara region) hosts the largest share of child-brides in the country. This study aimed at assessing the effects of early marriage on its survivors' life conditions - specifically, empowerment and household decision-making - in western Amhara.

METHODS

This study employed community-based cross-sectional study design. It adopted mixed method approach - survey, in-depth interview and focus group discussion (FGD) - to collect, analyse and interpret data on early marriage and its effects on household decision-making processes. The survey covered 1278 randomly selected respondents, and 14FGDs and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted. Statistical procedures - frequency distribution, Chi-square, logistic regression - were used to test, compare and establish associations between survey results on women empowerment for two groups of married women based on age at first marriage i.e., below 18 and at/after 18. Narratives and analytical descriptions were integrated to substantiate and/or explain observed quantitative results, or generate contextual themes.

RESULTS

This study reported that women married at/after 18 were more involved in household decision-making processes than child-brides. Child-brides were more likely to experience various forms of spousal abuse and violence in married life. The study results illustrated how individual-level changes, mainly driven by age at first marriage, interplay with structural factors to define the changing status and roles of married women in the household and community.

CONCLUSION

Age at first marriage significantly affected empowerment at household level, and women benefited significantly from delaying marriage. Increase in age did not automatically and unilaterally empowered women in marriage, however, since age entails a cultural definition of one's position in society and its institutions. We recommend further research to focus on the nexus between the household and the social-structural forms that manifest at individual and community levels, and draw insights to promote women's wellbeing and emancipation.

Youth Risky Sexual Behavior: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors in North-West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite, risky sexual behavior behaviors adversely affect the health of youth people, youth has been start sexual lives during teenager is increasing, thus youth has been engaged in risky sexual behaviors. However, almost all the previous studies are institutional based and did not considered out school youth. Therefore, this community based study among youth was implemented to identify sociodemographic determinants of risky sexual behaviors among youth.

METHODS

The community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2019, among youths. Data were extracted from data collected for project on assessments of common health problem and risky behaviors in central, north and west Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to determine the presence of an association between independent variables and risky sexual behavior.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 27.5%, 95%CI: (25-29). Age 20-24 years (AOR = 1.8,95% CI:1.3-2.5), female (AOR = 1.6,95%CI: 1.2-2.1), had no formal education (AOR = 1.9,95% CI:1.1-3.4), not schooling during data collection year (AOR = 1.8,95%CI:1.3-2.6), family wealth index status; lowest (AOR = 2.3,95%CI:1.3-3.9), low (AOR = 2.1,95%CI:1.2-3.5), medium (AOR = 1.9,95%CI:1.2-3.0) and high (AOR = 1.8, 95%CI:1.1-3.0), having common mental disorder (AOR = 2.0,95% CI: 1.4-2.7), and watching pornography materials (AOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2-2.1) were factors associated with risky sexual behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study revealed that one every four youths aged 15-24 years old had risky sexual behaviors. Hence, working on economic development of the family and prevention of violence can contribute to reducing risky sexual behavior among youths.

Early Resumption of Sexual Intercourse and Its Associated Factors Among Postpartum Women in Western Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Women are often forced to recommence sexual intercourse after childbirth to maintain intimacy and fulfill their partners’ desires. Early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse leads to sexual health problems and unwanted pregnancy if not complemented with appropriate contraceptive use. However, sexual practice during the early postpartum period has received little attention in clinical and research settings. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the early resumption of sexual intercourse and its associated factors among postpartum women attending public health institutions in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to April 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 528 postpartum women. An interviewer-administered, pretested, and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were coded and entered into Epi Info 7.2.1, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 to run bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

One in five postpartum women (20.2%, 95% CI: 17.1–23.6) practiced an early resumption of sexual intercourse, of whom three-fifths (58%) did not use any contraceptives. Women’s secondary education (AOR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.07–0.71), husband’s elementary (AOR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.06–0.87) and secondary education (AOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.88), as well as women’s fertility status (parity of one) (AOR=3.52, 95% CI: 1.24–10.01), normal vaginal delivery (AOR=5.44, 95% CI: 1.84–16.12), giving birth to a male child (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.05–3.60), desire for another child (AOR=5.71, 95% CI: 1.89–17.25), and pressure from the husband to initiate intercourse (AOR=9.89, 95% CI: 4.99–19.58) were significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of postpartum women who resume early sexual intercourse do not use any contraceptives. Interventions that focus on strengthening the integration of postpartum sexual health education and service use are warranted.

Stunting and Its Determinants among Adolescent Girls: Findings from the Nutrition Surveillance Project, Northwest Ethiopia

Under nutrition among adolescents is a major public health problem in Ethiopia and its causes are under investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting and its determinants among adolescent girls in Dabat district. A total of 1556 adolescent girls were included in the study. The WHO's Anthro-plus software was used to generate the height for age z-scores. Variables having a p-value<0.2 in the simple logistic regression were entered into multiple logistic regression and a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. About 47.4%(95%CI; 45.0, 49.6%) of adolescent girls were stunted. Being in the early (AOR = 0.027, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.09) and middle age (AOR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.71) were less likely to be stunted compared with the late adolescent. The odds of stunting were found to be higher among adolescent of rural area (AOR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.10) and from household food in-secured (AOR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.73)families. Higher numbers of adolescent girls are stunted in Dabat district, suggesting severe public health importance of the problem. Age, residence and food security were associated with adolescent stunting. Thus, improving food security strategies targeting rural and food insecure households is recommended. Abbreviations: AOR= Adjusted Odd Ratio,CI= Confidence Interval, COR= Crude Odd Ratio, ENSSPI=Establishing Nutrition Surveillance System and Piloting Interventions HAZ=Height for Age, HDSS=Health and Demographic Surveillance System, HFSS=Household Food Security Status, INDEPTH=International Network of Demographic Evaluation of Population and Their Health, IQR=Inter Quartile Range, NNP=National Nutrition Program, NSHFP=National School Health and Feeding Program, SPSS=Statically Package for Social Science, WHO= World Health Organization.

Factors associated with early sexual initiation among preparatory and high school youths in Woldia town, northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Early initiation of sexual activity affects the sexual and reproductive health of the young population. The youth are at a high risk of risky sexual behaviours, including multiple partners and inconsistent condom use. There has been limited research on the level and determinants of early sexual initiation in Woldia town. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of early sexual initiation and associated factors among preparatory and high school students in Woldia town, northeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 723 students selected by the simple random sampling technique on March 7, 2016. A pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were computed. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to examine the strength of association. In the multivariable analysis, a p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULT

The prevalence of early sexual initiation among preparatory and high school students in Woldia town was 18.4% (95% CI:15.50,21.30%). Not attending religious programs (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI:1.84,5.44), peer pressure (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI:1.14,3.25), cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI:1.06,4.85), poor parental monitoring (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI:1.77,4.53), and exposure to pornographic materials (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.68,4.40) were significantly associated with early sexual initiation.

CONCLUSION

A large number of students initiated sexual activity at an early age. The practiced is associated with sexual and reproductive health problems. Therefore, raising awareness of students about the risk factors for and implication of early sexual initiation through teachers, religious leaders, and parents is highly recommended.

Risky sexual practice and associated factors among HIV positive adults visiting ART clinics in public hospitals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Background

Sexual behavior of HIV positive individuals visiting anti- retroviral clinics is a neglected issue. With access to anti-retroviral treatment, HIV positive individuals experience improved health and are able to reintegrate into their social life and many of them engage in sexual activities. In the context of Ethiopia, safer sex practices among people living with HIV is critical in terms of preventing the acquisition of another strain of HIV and helping address the epidemic.

Method

An institution-based cross sectional study was conducted at Addis Ababa public hospitals from January to February 2017. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Using the systematic random sampling technique, a total of 562 respondents participated in the study. The data were entered into EPI info version 3.5.3 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variate, and multi variable analyses were done. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to determine the statistical significance of the association between factors (independent variables) and risky sexual practice. The Odds ratio was also used to determine the presence and the degree of association between dependent and independent variables.

Results

A total of 562 respondents participated in the study which revealed that the prevalence of risky sexual practice was 39.1% (95% CI: 35.2, 43.8) three months prior to the data collection. Educational status of participants who were below grade eight (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.01,5.10) and went to grades eight to twelve (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI:1.02,4.41), were married (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI:1.06,4.02), had no concern for safer sexual practice (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI:2.28, 6.13), had CD₄ count of ≥500cells/mm³(AOR = 1.66, 95% CI:1.04, 2.64), and used substance (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI:1.83, 6.35) were significantly associated with risky sexual practice.

Conclusion

The prevalence of risky sexual practice was markedly high in this study due to such contributory factors as low educational status, marriage, lack of concern for safer sexual practices, and substance use.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6438-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mothers' health care seeking behavior and associated factors for common childhood illnesses, Northwest Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Substantial progress has been made in reducing child mortality over the last decades, however the magnitude of the problem is yet high globally Appropriate health care-seeking behavior of mothers/guardians for common childhood illnesses could prevent a significant number of child deaths and complications due to childhood illnesses, currently, there is few of studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess mothers/caregivers health care seeking behavior for their children in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

Community based cross-sectional study of rural mothers living in Aneded district from February to March 2016. Data were collected using structured questionnaire by an interviewer. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with health care seeking behavior. Variables having P value ≤0.2 in the bivariate analysis were considered for multivariable analysis. P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare that there was statistically significant association. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the strength and direction of association.

RESULT

A total of 410 mothers participated in this study. Among 48.8% (95% CI: 44, 53.6%) had sought health care, only 27% sought health care within a day. Having awareness of childhood illness (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.18-6.72), perceived importance of early treatment (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.00-6.07) and child age <  24 months (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.08-2.68) and illness not being perceived as severe (AOR:= 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09-0.30) were all factors associated with mothers healthcare seeking behavior during their child illness.

CONCLUSION

Overall health care seeking behavior level was low. Awareness, perceived illness severity, perceived early treatment and having young children were predictors of mothers' health care seeking behavior. The Woreda health office administrators and health professionals should work to improve mothers' awareness and perception towards childhood problems and the importance of early seeking appropriate health care using the existed structures (one-to-five women networking and health developmental army).

Survival and predictors among preterm neonates admitted at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital neonatal intensive care unit, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Prematurity accounts about 1 million neonatal deaths worldwide and the second causes of both neonatal and under five-child mortality. Neonatal mortality accounts for 43% of under-five child mortality in Ethiopia. From this preterm is the second leading cause of death and is steadily increased in low-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess time to death and predictors among preterm neonates admitted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital neonatal intensive care unit North West Ethiopia 2018.

Methods

Institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 516 preterm neonates from January 2016 to March 2018. Data were extracted retrospectively from patients’ records using a pretested structured checklist. Descriptive summary statistics like median survival time, Kaplan Meier failure estimation curve and Log-rank test were computed. Bivariate and multivariable Gompertz parametric hazards models were fitted to identify the predictors of mortality. Hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The proportion of preterm neonatal death in this study was 28.8% (95%CI (25.1, 32.9)). Home delivery (AHR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.03, 4.88)), hyaline membrane disease (AHR =3.21, 95% CI (1.96, 5.25)), gestational age, (AHR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.74, 0.91)), cry immediately at birth (AHR = 1.74, 95% CI (1.19, 2.53)), kangaroo mother care (AHR = 0.24, 95%CI (0.11, 0.52)), presence of jaundice (AHR = 1.62, 95%CI (1.12, 2.54)) and hypoglycemia at admission (AHR = 1.75, 95%CI (1.21, 2.54)) were found to be significant predictors of time to death for preterm neonates.

Conclusion

Proportion of preterm neonatal death in this study was high. Home delivery, Jaundice, hypoglycemia, gestational age, cry immediately at birth, kangaroo mother care and hyaline membrane disease were significant predictors of time to death.

Modern contraceptive use and associated factors among married women in Finote Selam town Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Background

A modern contraceptive method is a product or medical procedure that interferes with reproduction following sexual intercourse; however, contraceptive services remain out of reach for many women of reproductive age worldwide, resulting in millions of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions each year. In addition to limiting the number of children, family planning is essential to promoting the well-being and autonomy of women, their families, and their communities. Factors influencing modern contraceptive utilization are multifaceted and challenging, therefore; this study aimed to assess modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among mid to late reproductive age, married women in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 30 to July 15, 2017 among married women aged 30–49. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 1146 eligible participants from three randomly selected kebeles. A face-to-face interviewer administered a structured and pretested questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models, in bivariate and multivariable analyses, were fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated to determine the presence, direction, and strength of associations.

Results

A total of 1134 women aged 30–49 participated in this study representing a response rate of 98.9%.The overall modern contraceptive utilization was 37% (95% CI 35.43–40.21). An injectable contraceptive was the most commonly used method, followed by an implant contraceptive method. Factors independently associated with modern contraceptive use were: educational status -secondary school (AOR = 1.5,95%CI 1.01–2.2) and college and above (AOR = 1.5,95%CI 1.02–2) compared to no education, number of previous pregnancy: nulligravid (AOR = 4.6,95%CI 3.2–5.5),1–2 previous pregnancies (AOR = 3.2,95%CI 2.03–5.44), 3–4 previous pregnancies(AOR = 2.3,95% CI1.4–3.7) compared to > 4 pregnancies and postnatal care utilization (AOR = 1.5,95% CI 1.1–2.1)compared to no postnatal service utilized.

Conclusion

Our findings show that modern contraceptive utilization among women age 30–49 is low in Finote Selam town Northwest Ethiopia. Women’s educational status, low number of previous pregnancies and postnatal care service utilization during the last birth were independently associated with modern contraceptive method used. Providing modern contraceptives targeting grand multiparous women and women having no formal education is important. Improving postnatal care utilization is one potential strategy to enhance modern contraceptive utilization.

Knowledge and associated factors of lactational amenorrhea as a contraception method among postpartum women in Aksum town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Objectives

The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of knowledge level and predictors of lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) as method of contraception among women who gave birth a year prior to the study period in the Aksum town, Tigray Region. The study was cross sectional in design conducted from March 25 to April 24, 2015. Results of the study could help the design of family planning strategies.

Results

The knowledge status of LAM as a contraceptive method was 8.8% [95% CI 6.4–11%)]. Women who delivered at health institution (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.3), attended postnatal care (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) and visited home and counseled about family planning by health extension in the last 12 months, (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) were more likely found knowledgeable towards LAM. Secondary and above level of the maternal education was also found a significant predictor variable with LAM as a contraceptive method (AOR = 1.2 95% CI 1.1–4.0). Our findings recommend that to address the knowledge gap of mothers; improving the uptake of maternal health services and strengthening family planning counseling at home are a key area for improving the knowledge level of LAM.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3754-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors affecting long acting and permanent contraceptive methods utilization among HIV positive married women attending care at ART clinics in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Globally, unintended pregnancy has been very high accounting for 27% of maternal deaths. Different studies noted that nearly half of HIV positive women who gave unintended birth were using contraceptive methods prior to their unintended pregnancy. This implies that contraceptive failure contributes to unintended pregnancy. Long-term and permanent contraceptive methods are safe and effective contraceptive options. In women who are using long acting and permanent methods, the unintended pregnancy rate is very low and it is almost the same both in typical and perfect users. However, there is limited information on factors that affect long acting and permanent contraceptive methods utilization among Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) positive women in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess long acting and permanent contraceptive utilization and its associated factors.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 505 married women attending care at Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) clinics in Bahir Dar from March 16, 2014 to April 15, 2014. The data were collected using a structured and interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors.

Results

A total of 505 married women participated in the study with a response rate of 99.6%. The utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) was 27.5% [95% CI, 23.8-31.5]. The multivariate analyses showed that women who were getting pre- anti retroviral therapy (Pre-ART) services [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.44, 4.86], had spousal discussion on family planning sometimes [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 6.03, 95% CI:2.42-15.01] and frequently [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 6.61, 95% confidence interval: 2.49-17.47], had previous experience on long acting contraceptive methods [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 9.06, 95% confidence interval: 5.38-15.26], no exposure to myths about LAPMs [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-3.45], had birth intention after 2 years [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 6.95, 95% confidence interval: 3.35-14.42], and no such intention [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 7.60, 95% confidence interval: 3.77-15.34] were factors significantly associated with utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods.

Conclusion

The utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods was relatively high. Discussion with partners on family planning, previous experiences of LAPMs, not hearing myths about LAPMs, women not started ART, and no birth intention were positively associated with LAPMs utilization. It is therefore recommended that health service providers need to make couples counseling on FP, undergo behavioral change communication (BCC) to avoid misconceptions/myths regarding LAPMs. Further research is also recommended to address the gaps mentioned in the limitation section and to explore the reason/s for not using LAPMs (qualitative study).

Prevalence and determinants of contraceptive utilization among married women at Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System site, northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Despite the enormous benefits of family planning services, the contraceptive utilization still remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is regional variation in modern contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization and determinants in Dabat demographic and health surveillance system site, northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A re-census was carried out in Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site from October to December 2014. Data of 8271 married women collected in the re-census was used. The outcome variable was current utilization of any modern contraceptive methods whereas socio demographic and economic variables were the potential determinants considered. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression along with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to describe the strength of association.

RESULTS

Prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization among married women in Dabat DHSS site was found to be 32.5% (95%CI: 31.5, 33.5%). After adjusting for covariates; the odds of using modern contraceptive were 2.35 times, 1.91 times, and 1.39 times higher among women of secondary and above educational level, urban residents, and women having six and above living children, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Modern contraceptive utilization was found to be very low. Effort has to be applied to improve women's educational level that increases their understanding of reproductive health issues. It is also important to give special emphasis for rural residents, those aged 20-40 years, and those with six or more living children while serving for modern contraceptive methods.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among HIV positive adults attending care and treatment in University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Antiretroviral therapy has an impressive clinical effect on the human immunodeficiency virus although its effectiveness depends mainly on the adherence of patients to the therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess adherence status and associated factors of antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected adults on ART at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2015. The systematic random sampling technique was used to select 440 study participants. Data collected using an intervieweradministered questionnaire was entered using EPI Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. In the multivariate analysis, variables with P-value ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant between independent variables and the outcome variable (medication adherence). Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength and direction of the association.

Results

A total of 440 participants were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 36.09 (SD ± 8.09) years. The overall rate of adherence to ART was 88.2% (95% CI = 85.2, 91.1). Urban residence (AOR = 6.99, 95% CI: 2.30, 21.27), no co-morbidity (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.33), knowledge about HIV and ART (AOR = 7.54, 95% CI: 2.69, 21.15), and disclosed HIV status to partners (AOR = 3.65 (1.06, 12.61) and CD4 count of ≥ 500mm³ (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.19, 12.81) were significantly associated with adherence.

Conclusion

In this study, the rate of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was low compared to WHO standard.. Prevention of co-morbidities, improving knowledge through health education, providing strong drug adherence counseling with more emphasis on the rural community, and encouraging HIV positive individuals to disclose their HIV status are crucial for ART adherence.

Low uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women in Gondar University referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study design

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. Majority of the cases are found in developing countries. The increasing risk of cervical cancer death and the high prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in Human immuno-deficiency virus(HIV) positive women calls for determining the level of premalignant cervical cancer (Ca) screening uptake. So, this study aimed to assess the uptake of cervical cancer screening and its associated factors.

METHODS

An institution based cross sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2016, among adult HIV positive women attending care and treatment at Gondar University Referral Hospital. The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the presence and the degree of association between dependent and independent variables. In the multivariable logistic analysis, a P-value of < 0.05 and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered to determine independent predictors for the uptake of cervical cancer(Ca) screening.

RESULTS

The life-time uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women was 10% (95% Confidence Interval(CI): 7.3-12.8). In multivariable the analysis, women with primary education (Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 3.92, 95%CI:1.70-8.99), secondary education (AOR = 3.84, 95%CI: 1.50-9.83), and tertiary level education (AOR = 4.16, 95%CI: 1.24-13.98), having a child (AOR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.23-7.46), diagnosed as HIV positive ten years back or more (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.06-6.97), and Cell Differentiation 4(CD4) count of less than or equal to 200cell/mm3 (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.58-10.83) were significantly associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the uptake of cervical cancer screening was very low. Educational status, parity, length of time after diagnosis as HIV positive, and CD4 count are important predictors of cervical cancer screening. Health care workers and cervical cancer prevention and control program coordinators and implementers need to provide counseling services for all Anti-retroviral Therapy(ART) care attendants. So as to explore the root causes for the low utilization of precancerous stage of cervical Ca screening service, conducting a study on the supply side with a qualitative component is mandatory.

Comprehensive knowledge on cervical cancer, attitude towards its screening and associated factors among women aged 30-49 years in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia

Background

Screening services for cervical pre-cancerous lesions is currently available for all women aged 30–49 years at public hospitals in Ethiopia. Though women’s knowledge and their attitude are determinants for the uptake the screening service, there is limited information on these regards. Therefore, this study aimed to assess comprehensive knowledge on cervical cancer, attitudes towards the screening, and associated factors among women aged 30–49 years at Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30, to April 15, 2017. The sample size calculated for this study was 1224 and a cluster sampling technique was used to select the participants from three randomly selected kebeles. Epi-Info version 7 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used. In multivariable logistic analysis, adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the presence and strength of associations between covariate and outcome variable.

Results

A total of 1137 women participated in this study. Nearly one third, 30.3% (95%CI: 27.7, 32.9) of the women had knowledge of cervical cancer, and 58.1% (95% CI: 55, 62.2) had a favorable attitude towards cervical cancer screening. In the multivariable analysis, having college and above education (AOR = 7.21, 95%CI: 3.41, 15.29), knowing someone with cervical cancer (AOR =5.38, 95%CI: 2.38, 12.15), and having a history of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 2.75, 95%CI: 1.24, 6.04) were significantly associated with knowledge on cervical cancer. Meanwhile, college and above educational status (AOR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.14, 5.69), knowing someone with cervical cancer (AOR = 3.24, 95%CI: 1.14, 9.15), and having knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR = 3, 95%CI: 1.97, 4.29) were positively associated with favorable attitudes towards cervical cancer screening.

Conclusion

The proportion of women who had knowledge on cervical cancer was low where as relatively, a large proportion of the study participants in this study had favorable attitude towards cervical cancer screening. Educational status, knowing someone with cervical cancer, a history of sexually transmitted diseases was factors affecting both women’s knowledge and their attitude. Having knowledge on cervical cancer was factor affecting attitude towards screening services. Provision of information, education, and counseling about the disease and screening service are mandatory to address their knowledge gap and to improve women’s attitude towards screening service.

Family planning use and its associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Postpartum period is an important entry point for family planning service provision; however, women in Ethiopia are usually uncertain about the use of family planning methods during this period. Limited studies have been conducted to assess postpartum family planning use in Addis Ababa, in particular and in the country in general. So, this study was conducted to assess postpartum family planning use and its associated factors among women in extended postpartum period in Kolfe Keranyo sub city of Addis Ababa.

Materials and methods

A community-based cross sectional study was conducted from May to June 2015 on 803 women who have had live births during the year (2014) preceding the data collection in the sub city. The multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaire, entered into EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed by SPSS Version 20. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to see the presence and strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables by computing the odds ratios with a 95% confidence intervals and p-values.

Results

The prevalence of postpartum family planning use was 80.3% (95% CI: 74.5, 83.1). Marriage, (AOR 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.22), menses resumption after birth, (AOR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.41), length of time after delivery, (AOR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.75), and history of contraceptive use before last pregnancy, (AOR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.18) were the factors associated with postpartum family planning use.

Conclusion

The prevalence of postpartum family planning use was high and the main factors associated with it were marriage, menses resumption, length of time after delivery, and history of previous contraceptive use. Therefore women should get appropriate information about the possibility of exposure to pregnancy prior to menses resumption by giving special emphasis to those who had no previous history of contraceptive use and exposure to the other identified factors.

Reasons for delay in decision making and reaching health facility among obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse patients in Gondar University hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where women have poor access to modern health care. Women having these problems tend to stay at home for years before getting treatment. However, information regarding the reasons contributing to late presentation to treatment is scarce, especially at the study area.

The objective of this study was to assess the reasons whywomen with obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse at Gondar University Hospital delay treatment.

Method

A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 women. Delay was evaluated by calculating symptom onset and time of arrival to get treatment at Gondar University Hospital. Regression analysis was conducted to elicit predictors of delay for treatment.

Result

Of the total 384 participants, 311 (80.9%) had pelvic organ prolapse and 73(19.1%) obstetric fistula. The proportion of women who delayed treatment of pelvic organ prolapse was 82.9% and that of obstetric fistula 60.9%. Fear of disclosing illness due to social stigma (AOR = 2; 1.03, 3.9) and lack of money (AOR = 1.97; 1.01, 3.86) were associated with the delay of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse,while increasing age (AOR =1.12; 1.01, 1.24) and divorce (AOR = 16.9; 1.75, 165.5) were were responsible for delaying treatment forobstetric fistula.

Conclusion

A large numberof women with pelvic organ prolapse and obstetric fistula delayed treatment. Fear of disclosure due to social stigma and lack of moneywere the major factors that contributed to thedelay to seek treatment for pelvic organ prolapse,while increasing age and divorce were the predictors for delaying treatment for obstetric fistula.

Medication adherence and its associated factors among hypertensive patients attending the Debre Tabor General Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

Background

Medication adherence is an important predictor of optimal blood pressure control; hence, it significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated deaths. However, studies on medication adherence and its associated factors are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess adherence to antihypertensive medications and identify associated factors at Debre Tabor General Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 346 participants. A structured questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach was used to collect data. Medication adherence was measured by the four-item Morisky–Green–Levine Scale, with a score ≥3 defined as “good adherence”. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive and summary statistics were used. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were also carried out.

Results

A total of 337 hypertensive patients participated in the study. Three-quarters (75.1%) of the participants were found to be adherent to their medication therapy. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that urban residence (adjusted odd ratio [AOR]=2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15, 3.85), taking less than two drugs per day (AOR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.53, 6.06), and having knowledge about hypertension (HTN) and its treatment (AOR=8.86, 95% CI: 4.67, 16.82) were positively and significantly associated with medication adherence, while age >60 years (AOR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.98) was negatively and significantly associated with good medication adherence.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of hypertensive patients poorly adhere to antihypertensive medications. Age, residence, pill burden, and knowledge about HTN and its treatment are important predictors of medication adherence. Attention should be given to increase the knowledge of patients about their disease and its treatment, and due emphasis should also be given to older and rural patients.

Drug adherence for antihypertensive medications and its determinants among adult hypertensive patients attending in chronic clinics of referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Adherence to prescribed medication is an imperative issue which can be directly linked with the management of chronic diseases like hypertension; failure to adhere can affect the effectiveness of medication as well as the efficiency of the health care system. There is scarcity of information regarding the level of drug adherence for antihypertensive medications and its determinants in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess adherence level and its determinants for antihypertensive medications among adult hypertensive patients attending the chronic illness clinics of the referral hospitals in northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2016. The systematic random sampling technique was used to select 409 study participants from three referral hospitals. The questionnaire was prepared using the World Health Organization (WHO) conceptual model and by reviewing international literature. The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were entered in to Epi - Info version 7 and then transferred to the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 for data cleaning and analysis. Bivariate analysis was first done to see the association between each independent variables and dependent variable. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were entered in to the multivariate logistic regression model for final analysis. Multivariate analysis was done using Backward logistic regression method. P-value less than 0.05 was considered to determine the statistical significance of the association and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the presence, strength, and direction of association between covariates (explanatory variables) and the outcome variable. The Morisky medication adherence scale was used to assess the adherence status using > = 6 as adherent or < 6 as non adherent score.

RESULTS

Four hundred and nine (409) study participants were interviewed with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 54.5 years with (Standard Deviation (SD) ± 13.58). The overall rate of good adherence was 67.2% (95% CI = 62.8, 71.6). Participants who had a favourable attitude towards antihypertensive medications (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.34, 18.27), having good patient- provider relationship (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI: 2.32, 7.86), having one (AOR = 4.36, 95% CI: 1.34, 14.12) or no (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI:1.01,11.31) co-morbidities, a long duration of treatment (AOR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.07, 3.35), and a low medical cost (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.76) had associations with good drug adherence for antihypertensive medication/s.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of good drug adherence for anti-hypertensive medications in this study was high. Prevention of co- morbidities, making medical services accessible, and maintaining good client-provider interaction are of paramount importance for good drug adherence.

Risky sexual practice and associated factors among HIV positive adults attending anti-retroviral treatment clinic at Gondar University Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction

Risky sexual practice among people living with HIV/AIDS is a public health concern because of the risk of transmission of the virus to sero-discordant partner/s. There is also the risk of re-infection with new, drug resistant viral strains between sero-concordant partners. However, there is lack of information on risky sexual practices among HIV positive adults. Therefore, this study aimed to assess risky sexual practice and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients at Gondar University Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2015.

Methods

An institution based cross sectional study was conducted at Gondar University Referral Hospital from May to June 2015. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Using systematic random sampling technique, a total of 513 respondents were participated in this study. The data were entered into EPI info version 3.5.3 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. A P-value <0.05 was considered to determine the statistical significance of the association between factors (independent variables) and risky sexual practice. The Odds ratio was also used to determine the presence and the degree of association between the dependent and independent variables.

Results

A total of 513 respondents were participated in this study. The prevalence of risky sexual practices in the past three months was 38% (95% CI: 33.3%, 42.3%). Being in the age range of 18–29 years (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.55, 4.47) and 30–39 years (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.53), being single (AOR = 6.32, 95%CI: 2.43, 16.44),being married (AOR = 6.06, 95% CI: 2.81, 13.07), having no child (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.17, 5.72), and a CD4 count of greater than 500/mm³ were factors significantly associated with risky sexual practices.

Conclusions

A considerable number of HIV positive clients had risky sexual practices. It is strongly recommended that the Regional Health Bureau and health service providers working at Gondar University Hospital especially in the ART Clinic need to work hard on behavioral change communication.

Postpartum modern contraceptive use in northern Ethiopia: prevalence and associated factors

OBJECTIVES

The postpartum period is a critical period for addressing widespread unmet needs in family planning and for reducing the risks of closely spaced pregnancies. However, contraception during the extended postpartum period has been underemphasized in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum modern contraceptive use among women in northern Ethiopia and to identify factors associated with modern contraceptive use in the postpartum period.

METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2015. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and then exported into Stata version 12 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of postpartum modern contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

Nearly half (48.0%) of women used modern contraceptives during the extended postpartum period. Postpartum modern contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary and tertiary education levels (aOR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.29 to 14.00; aOR, 5.36 ; 95% CI, 1.14 to 25.45, respectively), family planning counseling during prenatal and postnatal care (aOR, 5.72 ; 95% CI, 2.67, 12.28), having postnatal care (aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.15 to 4.87), resuming sexual activity (aOR, 9.53; 95% CI, 3.74 to 24.27), and menses returning after birth (aOR, 6.35; 95% CI, 3.14 to 13.39). In addition, experiencing problems with previous contraceptive use was negatively associated with modern contraceptive use (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Low rate of postpartum modern contraceptive use were found in the study area. Therefore, strengthening family planning counseling during antenatal and postnatal care visits, improving utilization of postnatal care services and improving women’s educational status are crucial steps for to enhance modern contraceptive use among postpartum women.

Demand for long acting contraceptive methods among married HIV positive women attending care at public health facilities at Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

The use of long acting contraceptive methods (LACMs) is one of the strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Studies noted that significant proportion of unintended pregnancy among HIV positive women was due to contraceptive failure mainly of short term contraceptives. This highlights the need to use most effective types of modern contraception, long acting contraceptive. However, studies conducted on demand for long acting contraceptive methods in this particular group of people are scarce in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess demand for long acting contraceptive methods and associated factors among married reproductive age women attending care at Antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinics in public health institutions at Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 654 systematically selected women attending care in ART clinics in public health facilities at Bahir Dar city from March to April, 2014. A structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.3 and then exported to SPSS version 16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the study participants. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with demand for long acting contraceptive methods. Odds ratios with 95 % CI were used to assess the presence and strength of association.

Results

A total of 654 respondents have participated in the study (response rate 99. 09 %). The demand for long acting contraceptive methods was 36.7 % (95 % CI: 33.2 %, 40.6 %).

The odds of demand for LACMs among HIV positive women who were living in urban were three times [AOR = 3.05, 95 % CI: 1.34, 6.89] higher than those who were living in rural. The odds of demand for LACMs among the respondents who were in elementary educational level were two times [AOR = 2.31, 95 % CI: 1.34, 3.99] more likely as compared to those who had no formal education. HIV positive women who had four or more alive children were almost four times [AOR = 3.86, 95 % CI: 1.62, 9.20] more likely to have demand for LACMs than those who had one child or had no child at all. Those who had desire to give birth after 2 years were nearly six times more likely [AOR = 5.68, 95 % CI: 3.05, 11.58] to have demand for LACMs and women who had no birth intension were eight times more likely [AOR = 7.78, 95 % CI: 4.15, 14.58] to have demand for LACMs as compared to those who had intention to have birth within 2 years. Women who had past experience on LACMs had six times more likely [AOR = 6.35, 95 % CI: 4.09, 9.87] to have demand for LACMs than those who hadn’t any experience. The odds of demand for long acting contraceptive methods among HIV positive women who had heard myths about LACMs was 55 % less [AOR = 0.45, 95 % CI: 0.29, 0.68] than those women who hadn’t heard myths.

Conclusions

Demand for long acting contraceptive methods in this study was low. There was high unmet need for LACMs. Myths about LACMs were common in the community and were the major barriers for the promotion and utilization of the methods. Demand creation on LACMs and bringing attitudinal change related to myths through provision of information, education and communication are recommended. Moreover, giving greater attention for rural residents is important.