Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and their associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia: Institutional-based study

Objective

This study aimed to determine the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia.

Method

A total of 644 diabetic individuals were included in the study through systematic random sampling techniques. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument was used to evaluate the presence of diabetic neuropathy. Data were presented using narrative, figures, and tables from the results of statistical analysis. The descriptive result was reported using frequency (percentage) for categorical variables and mean ± SD for continuous measures, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Results

The overall prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 47.8% (95% CI: 43.9%-51.7%). Low monthly income (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.73), history of khat chewing (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.907), impaired blood glucose (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.94), physical inactivity (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.36), and raised body mass index (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.99) were factors significantly associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the value of early diabetic peripheral neuropathy detection and the widespread presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy risk factors in diabetes patients. Any initiative intended to lessen the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-related morbidity and high health care costs must be implemented as a strategy.

Magnitude and associated factors of dyslipidemia among patients with severe mental illness in dire Dawa, Ethiopia: neglected public health concern

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolism abnormalities are an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Due to the nature of the condition and their unhealthy lifestyles, patients with mental illnesses have a doubled risk of morbidity and mortality from dyslipidemia compared to the general population. To our knowledge the magnitude of dyslipidemia in patients with mental illnesses in the eastern Ethiopia has not been reported in the literature to date. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess and compare the magnitude of dyslipidemia and its predictors among patients with severe mental illnesses and non-mentally ill control patients.

METHODS

Nighty six subjects with serious psychiatric disorders and nighty six matched non-psychiatric control subjects who had no history of psychiatric illness were underwent a lipid profile test in Dire Dawa referral hospital, Ethiopia. The mentally ill clients were 18 years of age and older with schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorders. Exposed study subjects were matched to control by age and sex. The data were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS software. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors related to the magnitude of dyslipidemia. Both the crude odds ratio and the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were estimated.

RESULTS

The magnitude of dyslipidemia among mentally ill patients was significantly higher (63.54%) compared to non-exposed controls (31.9%) in the subjects studied. In multiple logistic regression, urban dwellers were six times (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI: 1.2, 16) more likely at risk of developing dyslipidemia compared to rural participants. Similarly, physically inactive participants were nearly two-times (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 12.9) more likely to develop dyslipidemia compared to physically active study participants. Moreover, study participants who had raised body mass index were 2.1 times (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.17, 15.3) more likely having dyslipidemia than their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that the prevalence of dyslipidemia is higher among mentally ill patients compared to non-mentally ill control study participants. Place of residence, physical inactivity, and raised BMI were significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Therefore, intensive screening of patients for dyslipidemia and its components is necessary during follow-up.

Quality of family planning services and associated factors among reproductive age women attending family planning unit at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021

INTRODUCTION

Improving the quality of care has been a necessary goal for family planning programs worldwide. Even though extensive work has been done, the contraceptive prevalence rate is still low (41% in Ethiopia, 30.5% in Dire Dawa) and the unmet need for contraception is high (26%) in Ethiopia. Moreover, quality of care in family planning services has an important role in increasing coverage of services and program sustainability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess quality of family planning services and associated factors among reproductive age women attending family planning unit in public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive-age women attending a family planning unit in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, from September 1-30/2021. A total of 576 clients were selected by systematic random sampling and interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data, which included descriptive statistics, bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. To determine the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, AOR, P-value 0.05, and 95% CI were used.

RESULTS

A total of 576 clients participated in the study and provided a response rate of 99%. The overall satisfaction of clients with FP services was 79%[95% CI:75.2%, 82.9%]. Having primary education (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI(1.11-4.24), convenient facility opening hours (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI (2.12-5.75), maintaining privacy (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI(2.50-8.12), demonstrating how to use F/P method (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI (1.01-5.20), and discussing F/P issues with husbands (AOR = 5.05, 95% CI: 3.33-7.64) were positively significantly associated with client satisfaction.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This study revealed that about four-fifth of the clients was satisfied with the service they received. Clients' education, facility opening hour, maintained privacy, discussion with husband, and demonstration of how to use the methods were associated with client satisfaction. Therefore, health facility heads should improve facility opening hour. Health care providers should maintain client privacy every time, and should consistently utilize information, education, and communication materials during consultation sessions by giving more attention to client who has no education. Partner's discussion on family planning issues should also be encouraged.

Routine health information system utilization and associated factors among health professionals in public health facilities in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background

Using reliable evidence from routine health information system (RHIS) over time is a vital aid to improve health outcome, tackling disparities, enhancing efficiency, and encouraging innovation. In Ethiopia, utilization of routine health data for improving the performance and quality of care was not well-studied in grassroot health facilities.

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the level of RHIS utilization and associated factors among health professionals in public health facilities of Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 health professionals from June 10 to July 20, 2020. Self-administered pretested-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using Stata 16.0. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the basic characteristics of the participants, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with RHIS utilization. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI) was used to report association and significance declared at a P-value <0.05.

Results

Good RHIS utilization among health professionals was 57.7% (95% CI: 52.6%, 62.6%). Good organizational support (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 2.01, 7.61), low perceived complexity of RHIS formats (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.97), good self-efficacy (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.25, 5.10), and good decision-making autonomy (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 2.12, 7.43) were important factors associated with good RHIS utilization.

Conclusions

The level of good RHIS utilization among health professionals was low. Lack of self-confidence and empowerment, complexity of RHIS formats, and poor organizational support were significantly reducing RHIS utilization. Therefore, improving self-efficacy and decision-making capacity of health professionals through comprehensive training, empowerment, and organizational support would be essential.

Determinants of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Adults in Dill-Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, East Ethiopia

Introduction

Ethiopia has been exhibiting trends that are shifting the populace's way of life toward urbanization. As a result, the country's primary focus is on treating infectious diseases, whereas chronic noncommunicable diseases receive less attention. Type 2 diabetes has emerged as a major noncommunicable disease that is endangering African nations' economic, social, and cultural underpinnings. There has been research mostly on prevalence, factors associated, and glycemic control of diabetes but not adequate on the causes of T2DM in Ethiopia, particularly in the study region.

Objective

To identify the determinants of type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults at Dill-Chora hospital, from August 30 to October 30, 2021.

Methods

An unmatched case-control study was carried out at Dill-Chora referral hospital using face-to-face interviews. The data was collected, cleaned, coded, and entered to epi data version 3.1 before being exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. The analyses used were descriptive and logistic regression.

Results

The study included 331 individuals, 113 cases and 218 controls. Cigarette smoking (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.24-7.96), extra salt consumption (AOR: 5.52, 95% CI: 2.33-13.05), low fruit consumption (AOR: 5.28, 95% CI: 2.12-13.16), infrequent physical activity (AOR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.65-8.39), waist to hip ratio (AOR: 18.88, 95% CI: 7.35-48.42), and triglyceride level (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.34-6.32) were strongly linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This study discovered a variety of risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including triglyceride levels, fruit consumption, smoking, increased salt consumption, irregular exercise, and waist to hip ratio. By focusing preventative efforts on these risk factors, the occurrence of type 2 diabetes may be reduced. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus screening is crucial, particularly in those with a high waist-to-hip ratio, a smoking history, and high triglyceride levels.

Women experiencing homelessness in Dire Dawa city: Coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholder, 2021

BACKGROUND

In Ethiopia, the number of homeless girls and women is increasing, and the government has yet to devise a strategy to address the issue of teenage homelessness. They are influenced by numerous dimensions of health, including physical health, mental health, and social isolation. At all stages of homelessness, the stakeholders and homeless people must work together to address the issue. As a result, this study will be helpful to generate relevant data that may guide policymakers in designing solutions for this underserved group of people.

OBJECTIVES

To explore coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholders among women experiencing homelessness in Dire Dawa city, eastern Ethiopia, 2021.

DESIGN

A community-based phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Dire Dawa city.

METHODS

Data were collected from women experiencing homelessness and key informants through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured tool. A total of 31 women experiencing homelessness (13 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussion with 6 participants in each) and 2 key informants participated in this study. Data were analyzed thematically using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti 7. The thematic analysis follows six steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, naming themes, and writing up.

RESULTS

Two major themes were driven: coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholders. There are three subthemes under the coping mechanism (begging, survival sex, and child prostitution) while there are a total of seven subthemes under suggestions to stakeholders (integration and collaboration, special attention to children, family education, shelter and job, schooling, sexual education, and addiction rehabilitation).

CONCLUSION

Child prostitution and survival sex are a very common coping mechanism which is practiced by women experiencing homelessness. Changing society's mindset and paying special attention to children is critical. Furthermore, the government and various stakeholders should work together to develop a rehabilitation program for street children who have been exposed to substance use.

Disrespect and abuse experienced by women giving birth in public health facilities of Eastern Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the magnitude of disrespect and abuse experienced by women giving birth at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted a facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study in Dire Dawa City Administration from 21 October to 8 December 2020. We used a pre-tested structured questionnaire to interview 555 randomly selected women who gave birth in public health facilities during the study period. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among 555 women, 473 (85.2%) reported having experienced at least one form of disrespect and abuse. Giving birth at a hospital (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.29-7.51) and being attended by male providers (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI, 1.57-6.81), as well as being attended by three or four providers (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.88) and delivering at night (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.15-0.48) were significantly associated with greater or less likelihood, respectively, of disrespect and abuse.

CONCLUSION

We revealed an unacceptable level of disrespect and abuse toward women giving birth at public health facilities. Health care providers must understand the importance of respectful maternity care. The city's health bureau should conduct provider training and enforce adherence to respectful care.

Prevalence of burnout and associated factors among health professionals working in public health facilities of Dire Dawa city administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Background

Burnout is a common condition among health workers, characterized by emotional tiredness, depersonalization, and a sense of low personal accomplishment. Ethiopia has major health workforce management challenges, including shortages, poor motivation, retention, and performance, and research evidence is limited for health professionals' burnout status, particularly in Eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among health professionals working at governmental health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals using structured self-administered validated questionnaires using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between burnout and its predictors.

Results

A total of 508 health professionals were approached, out of which 501 participated (a response rate of 98.4%). The magnitude of burnout was 54.1 with a 95% confidence interval of 49.9-58.0%. Working in a hospital (AOR = 3.55, 95%CI: 2.00, 6.33), age >/= 40 (AOR = 3.98, 95%CI:1.60, 9.89) and 30-39 years (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI:1.08, 3.34), being female(AOR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.37, 4.25), being widowed (AOR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.13, 10.18), having intention of leaving work (AOR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.35, 3.87), using at least one substance (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.36, 3.69), having a 6-11 years of experience (AOR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.15, 4.06), having no job supervision (AOR = 4.65, 95%CI: 2.07, 10.43), monthly payment <10,000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 5.69, 95%CI: 2.30, 14.07) and between 10,000 to 15,000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.22, 6.15), working in Pediatric Unit (AOR = 3.28, 95%CI: 1.24, 8.70), and profession type (Midwifery, Public health officer, Medical Laboratory professionals) were factors significantly associated with burnout.

Conclusion

Burnout affected more than half of the health professionals working in governmental health facilities in Dire Dawa. Health facility type, age, sex, marital status, intention to leave work, substance use, work experience, job supervision, monthly payment, profession type, and working unit were significantly associated predictors of burnout.

Postabortion Family Planning and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Abortion Service in Dire Dawa Town Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia

Background

Postabortion family planning is a part of comprehensive package of postabortion care. However, it did not receive due attention to break the cycle of repeated abortion, unintended pregnancies, and abortion-related maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the utilization of postabortion family planning and associated factors among women attending abortion service in Dire Dawa health facilities, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 483 clients who sought abortion service in Dire Dawa from 15 May to 30 June 2020. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 3.2 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with utilization of postabortion family planning. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association and statistical association was declared statistical at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

More than three-fourths (77.8%) [95% CI: (73.4-81.6%)] of respondents were utilized postabortion family planning methods. Respondents with age 15-24 years [AOR: 5.59, (95% CI: (1.5, 19.7)], attended postsecondary [AOR: 7.6, (95% CI: (2.7, 21.2)], single marital status [AOR: 11.1, (95% CI: (4.6, 26.5)], a monthly income 500-1,000 birr [AOR: 7.9, (95% CI: (3.2, 19.4)], parity ≥ 5 [AOR: 0.41, (95% CI: (0.18, 0.92)], desire of current pregnancy [AOR: 4.2, (95% CI: (1.9, 9.3)], and ever used family planning [AOR: 4.4, (95% CI: (2.2, 8.9)] were major factors significantly associated with postabortion family planning utilization.

Conclusion

In this study, more than three-fourths of respondents utilize postabortion family planning. Most of the factors associated with postabortion family planning were modifiable. Therefore, policymakers and health planners need to integrate with comprehensive abortion care to improve the utilization of postabortion family planning.

Nutritional status and associated factors among lactating women in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Lactating women's nutritional status is critical since it influences the health of their infants. However, there was a scarcity of data on maternal nutrition in low-income countries such as Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.

METHODS

Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 lactating women in Dire Dawa town health facilities from February 10, 2019 to March 30, 2019. The sum of the number of food categories consumed by each respondent over the 24-h recall period is the women's diet diversity score. To identify factors linked to undernutrition, all variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were included into multivariate logistic regression.

RESULT

Prevalence of undernutrition was 22%. Women who age 15-25 years were four times more likely undernourished than older (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 4.04; confidence interval [CI]: [1.74, 9.40]). Unable to read and write women were almost five times more likely to be undernourished than formal education (AOR = 4.76; CI: [2.31, 9.81]). Women who have family size >7 were six times more likely to be undernourished than family size <3 (AOR = 5.53; CI: [1.15, 26.53]). Women not take additional food during lactating were 4.5 times more likely undernourished than take additional food (AOR = 4.56; CI [1.50, 13.9]). DD score <5 were four times more likely to be undernourished than (≥5) DD (AOR = 4; CI: [2.02, 7.90]).

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of undernutrition in the study area was high. Factors associated with undernutrion were: age of lactating women, education status, family size, additional food during lactation and DD score. Thus, multisectoral collaboration targeted at improving women's educational status and increasing food during lactation need to be emphasized.

Birth asphyxia, determinants, and its management among neonates admitted to NICU in Harari and Dire Dawa Public Hospitals, eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Despite a declining neonatal mortality rate globally, Ethiopia has scored 29-30 deaths per 1,000 live births. Birth asphyxia is a major contributor to neonatal mortality, where 4-9 million newborns develop birth asphyxia each year. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of birth asphyxia, its determinants, and its management among neonates admitted to the NICU in Harari and Dire Dawa public hospitals.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 randomly selected neonates and their index mothers admitted to neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Harari and Dire Dawa from June 20 to August 20, 2021. Data were collected through card review and interviewer-administered questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with birth asphyxia. Adjusted odds ratios along with 95% CIs were estimated to measure the strength of the association, and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

One-fifth of neonates [20.8% (95% CI: 16.4, 24.6%)] had birth asphyxia. Neonates born by instrumental delivery (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.10, 4.76) and neonates born to mother with PIH (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.47, 8.27), PROM (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.26), and chorioamnionitis (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.10, 9.61) were more likely to have birth asphyxia compared to their counterpart. Ventilation with a bag and mask 50(58.8), putting on free oxygen 19(22.4), and endotracheal intubation 15(17.6) were taken as management methods.

CONCLUSION

One out of five neonates had birth asphyxia. This urges care providers to adhere to national guidelines of obstetrics and neonatal continuum care. They also need to decrease instrumental delivery and treat PIH, PROM, and chorioamnionitis.

Preparedness toward COVID-19 pandemics and associated factors among health care workers in Dire Dawa Hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study

Introduction:

Health care workers are at the frontline of the response against the COVID-19 outbreak. Poor preparedness and infection prevention practices among health care workers compound the hazard and occurrence of COVID-19 hospital transmission. Thus, the study aimed to assess preparedness toward COVID-19 pandemics and associated factors among health care workers in Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 June to July 10 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 423 health care workers. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results:

This study revealed that the proportion of health care workers’ preparedness toward the COVID-19 pandemic was 40.9% (95% CI: 36.2–45.9). Working in a public hospital (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6–4.3), being unafraid of transmitting COVID-19 to patients (Adjusted odds ratio/AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 2.2–10.0), feeling safe at the workplace (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7–6.4)), satisfied with the infection control policy (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI: 2.3–15.0), and not feeling anxious about the likelihood of COVID-19 spread (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4) were significantly associated with COVID-19 preparedness.

Conclusion:

The majority of the health care workers were not prepared for COVID-19 pandemics. Feeling safe at the workplace scared of transmitting COVID-19 to patients, satisfied with the infection control policy, and feeling anxious concerning the likelihood of COVID-19 were factors associated with health care workers’ preparedness to COVID-19. The current awareness creation training, including motivational and psychological preparation for all health care workers, is mandatory, regardless of their profession or working place.

Utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors among street women in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: a mixed study

INTRODUCTION

Unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are the major problems in street women because of the non-utilization of modern contraceptives. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have assessed the utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors among street women in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the utilization of modern contraceptives and its associated factors among street women.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted from February 16th to April 10, 2021, among all censuses and 615 reproductive-aged street women. Face-to-face and in-depth interviews were employed to generate quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the association between modern contraceptive utilization and independent variables with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Approximately half 279 (50.3%) (95% CI: 46.3%, 54.4%) street women currently used modern contraceptives. Factors significantly associated were women aged 25-34 years [AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.2-24], distance from a nearby health facility within 30 min [AOR = 9.2, 95% CI: 1.6-51], getting advice from health professionals [AOR = 14.3; 95% CI = 5.3-38.4], discussed with their sexual partners about the utilization of modern contraceptives [AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.4-16.5], a history of pregnancy [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-6], the desire to have a child after two years [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.7], and women who faced rape in street life [AOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 1.9-15.3]. Fear of side effects, misperceptions, and the desire to have a child are the main identified themes for the key barriers to using modern contraceptives.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of street women currently using modern contraceptives was low. Age, distance from the health facility, discussion with health professionals, discussion with sexual partners, history of pregnancy, desire time to have a child in the future, and history of rape were factors significantly associated with the use of modern contraceptives. Most of the participants' reasons for the lack of use of modern contraceptives were fear of its side effects.

Adherence and associated factors to iron and folic acid supplementation among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, 41.8% of pregnant women have anemia. Nationally, only 0.4% of pregnant women take the recommended 180-day iron supplement for more than 90 days. This study aimed to determine adherence to iron and folic acid supplements and factors affecting it among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of Dire Dawa City, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019. In all, 416 pregnant women were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22.00. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval was done, and variables at a p<0.05 were considered statistically significant to the outcome variable.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 71.8% of pregnant women have adhered to iron/folic acid supplements. Pregnant women who had ≥4 antenatal care visits (AOR=3.15; 95% CI: 1.16–9.05), got advice about iron/folic acid supplementation (AOR=3.12; 95% CI: 1.15–5.29), good knowledge about iron/folic acid supplementation (AOR=3.56; 95% CI: 1.42–8.54), good knowledge about anemia (AOR=5.22; 95% CI: 2.06–8.33), and currently anemic (AOR=2.58; 95% CI: 2.38–9.61) were significantly associated with adherence of iron/folic acid supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The adherence of iron/folic acid supplementation of pregnant women was good. Getting advice about iron/folic acid supplementation, ≥4 antenatal care visits, having good knowledge about iron/folic acid supplementation and anemia, and currently anemic, were factors associated with adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among individuals aged above 15 years and residing in congregate settings in Dire Dawa city administration, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Determining the extent of seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 antibody has the potential to guide prevention and control efforts. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among individuals aged above15 years and residing in the congregate settings of Dire Dawa city administration, Ethiopia.

METHOD

We analyzed COVID-19 seroprevalence data on 684 individuals from a community based cross-sectional survey conducted among individuals aged above 15 years and residing in congregate settings in Dire Dawa from June 15 to July 30, 2020. Data were collected using interview and blood sample collection. Participants were asked about demographic characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms, and their practice of preventive measures. Seroprevalence was determined using SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. Bivariate and multivariate multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model was fitted and statistical significance was set at p value < 0.05.

RESULT

The estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 3.2% (95 % CI 2.0-4.8) in the study region with no differences by age and sex but considerable differences were observed by self-reported practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. The cluster effect is not significant (P = 0.396) which has suggested no evidence of heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among the clusters. The odds of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence were higher for individuals who were employed and work by moving from home to work area (AOR; 9.73 95% CI 2.51, 37.68), reported of not wearing facemasks when leaving home (AOR; 6.4 95% CI 2.30, 17.66) and did not practice physical distancing measures (AOR; 10 95% CI 3.01, 33.20) compared to their counterparts, respectively. Our estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among participants who reported not to have practiced social distancing measures was 12.8 (95% CI, 7.0, 19) and 1.5 (95% CI, 0.5, 2.5) among those who reported of practicing them. More than 80% of study participants reported of implementing infection prevention measures (face masks and physical distancing recommendations).

CONCLUSION

The detected SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among the study participants was low at the time of the survey indicating higher proportion of population yet to be infected. COVID-19 preventive measures were associated with reduced seroprevalence and should be promoted to avoid transmission to the uninfected majority.

Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization and Associated Factors Among Women Aged 30 to 49 Years in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a public health problem and one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. In Ethiopia, the government expands cervical cancer screening centers and recommends services to age-eligible and high-risk groups of women. However, evidence indicates that the utilization of services among eligible and high-risk women in the country has remained very low, and data are scarce in Dire Dawa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess cervical cancer screening service utilization and associated factors among women aged 30 to 49 years in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in Dire Dawa from February 01 to March 01, 2017. Only two facilities provided the screening service in Dire Dawa Administration. Six- hundred and one women aged 30 to 49 years were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data were collected using a pretested face-to-face interview administered questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 21. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with cervical cancer screening utilization. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In this study, the magnitude of cervical cancer screening service utilization was 4.0% (95% CI: 2.5-5.7). The factors associated with cervical cancer screening service utilization were older age (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI:1.3-13.8), attending private health facilities (AOR = 8.9; 95% CI: 2.8-28.0), being employed (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.3-8.8), visiting the gynecology departments (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.5-9.8), being knowledgeable (AOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.5-15.5), being counseled by health professionals (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.5-11.3), and user's of family planning (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.2-20.0).

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of cervical cancer screening utilization was very low. Hence, to improve the screening service utilization of cervical cancer, a campaign on community awareness, strengthening service linkage among departments, expansion of the centers for cervical cancer screening, and promotion of family planning method utilization are recommended.

Minimum Dietary Diversity Practice and Associated Factors among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Malnutrition because of poor dietary diversity contributing to child morbidity and mortality. Two-thirds of child mortality occurs within the first 2 years. However, there is limited data related to dietary diversity among children aged 6 to 23 months in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess dietary diversity and factors among children aged 6 to 23 months in the study setting. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted on 438 children aged 6 to 23 months in Dire Dawa, 1-30/02/2019. Simple random sampling was used to select study subjects. Data collected using a structured and pretested interview administered questionnaire. Data entered using EpiData 4.2 and analyzed with SPSS Version 22. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associated factors. Adjusted odd-ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) used, and P-value <.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall minimum dietary diversity practice was 24.4% (95% CI: 20.3, 28.5). Maternal education [AOR 2.20; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.52], decision-making [AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.19, 5.29], antenatal care [AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.99], postnatal care [AOR = 6.4; 95% CI: 2.78, 14.94] and facility delivery [AOR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.35, 5.25] were maternal factors. Moreover, child’s age [AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.39, 5.83], and child’s sex [AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.64, 4.94] were infant factors. Conclusion: One-fourth of children practiced minimum dietary diversity. Child’s age, birth interval, postnatal care, antenatal care, child’s sex, mothers’ decision-making, mothers’ education, and place of delivery were significant predictors. Therefore, maternal education, empowering women, and improve maternal service utilization are crucial to improving dietary diversity.

Practice of COVID-19 Prevention Measures and Associated Factors Among Residents of Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: Community-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a current health concern in the world. People applying the prevention methods of COVID-19 are vital determinants of curbing the spread of the coronavirus. This study aimed to assess the practices and associated factors of the COVID-19 preventive measures among Dire Dawa residents.

METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional mixed method was used. We conducted the study between June 15th and July 15th, 2020. The subjects of the study were selected by using systematic random sampling. We collected data through face-to-face and in-depth interviews. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression were employed to determine the predictor variables with the practice of COVID-19 prevention measures. Thematic content analysis analyzed qualitative data.

RESULTS

The practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was 40.7% (95% CI: 37-44.4%). Being female [AOR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.17-2.72], married [AOR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.68-4.48], family income >10,000 Ethiopia birr [AOR=7.3; 95% CI: 3.8-13.9], having history of a chronic disease [AOR=3.46 (1.69, 7.08)], not chewing khat [AOR= 2.15; 95% CI: 1.1-4.2], had a good knowledge about COVID-19 [AOR=5.23; 95% CI: 3-9], and had a favorable attitude about COVID-19 [AOR=3.87; 95% CI: 2.4-6.14] were significantly associated with practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. The qualitative result revealed the communities are not willingly practicing prevention measures because of carelessness and ignorant of the consequences of COVID-19, and some communities believed that COVID-19 is not a real pandemic rather government uses it merely to gain political profit.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of practice of COVID-19 preventive measures was low. Sex, marital status, income, history of chronic disease, history of khat chewing, knowledge, and attitude about COVID-19 were associated factors with COVID-19 preventive practices. The communities were not practicing the COVID-19 prevention method because of poor knowledge and a negative attitude.

Neonatal Mortality and Associated Factors Among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia, 2021: A Facility-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the incredible progress made in decreasing under-five mortality, neonatal mortality remains the main and slowly advancing contributor. Though all efforts were made to decline the death of a newborn, current information showed that newborn death is unaverted and not a fastened agenda. This study aimed to assess neonatal mortality and its determinants among neonates admitted at the Dil Chora Hospital in Dire Dawa City.

METHODS

Facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 376 newborns were selected systematically from neonates admitted to the NICU of the Dil Chora Referral Hospital from June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. Data were collected from medical records using a standard extraction checklist. The data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and then exported into SPSS version 24 for statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify the association between independent variables and neonatal death.

RESULT

The prevalence of neonatal death was 11.4% (95% CI: 9.44, 13.36). The majority of 37 (86.05%) of the neonates died within 7 days of life. The most common causes of admission included perinatal asphyxia (55.3%), hypoglycemia (21.5%), and hypothermia. Nearly half (40.4%) of the mothers of newborns experience index pregnancy complications, premature rupture of the membrane (AOR = 5.79, 95% CI: 2.08, 16.1), birth weight <2,500 g (AOR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.56. 10.06), hypothermia (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.02), index pregnancy complications (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI: 1.92, 11.91), and induced labor (AOR = 4.45, 95% CI: 1.53, 12.94), which were significantly associated with neonatal mortality.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of neonatal mortality was high compared with the national target. Premature rupture of the membrane, birth weight <2,500 g, hypothermia, index pregnancy complications, and induced labor were significantly associated with neonatal mortality. The majority of neonatal deaths are due to complications arising from pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and lack of quality of care at the neonatal intensive care unit. Cultivating and increasing the utilization of antenatal care services, quality of care at delivery, and the neonatal intensive care unit could avert those deaths.

Prevalent, uncontrolled, and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus among urban adults in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A population-based cross-sectional study

Objective:

Globally, 8.8% of adults were estimated to have diabetes mellitus, with the low-and middle-income countries sharing the largest burden. However, the research evidence for targeted interventions is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, disaggregated by the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus morbidity and associated factors among adults in Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

Data from a total of 872 randomly sampled adults aged 25–64 years were obtained for analysis using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factors surveillance instruments. We estimated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus disaggregated by the previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis status and by the current blood sugar level control status. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify correlates of diabetes mellitus, along with STATA version 14.2 for data management and analysis. All statistical tests were declared significant at p-value < 0.05.

Results:

14.9% (95% confidence interval: 12.1, 17.4) of adults aged 25–64 years had diabetes mellitus in the study sample with 58.5% (95% confidence interval: 49.7, 66.7) on diabetes mellitus medication. Among adults currently taking diabetes mellitus medications, 30.3% (95% confidence interval: 19.8, 45.6) had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The magnitude of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was 6.2% (95% confidence interval: 4.8, 8.0) in the study sample and 41.5% (95% confidence interval: 33.3, 50.3) among the diabetics. The odds of diabetes mellitus were higher among adults over the age of 55 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.6), currently married adults (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 4.4), and overweight adults (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 2.1). Adults with primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.8) and no formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.9) had lower odds of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among adults was high in Dire Dawa, with a third of the diabetics having poor control of their blood sugar levels and, nearly four in ten were previously undiagnosed. Adults who were overweight, currently married, and those over 55 years need to be targeted for regular diabetes health checkups and community-based screening. Also, a mechanism should be instituted to track a patient’s adherence to medications and promote diabetes self-care management.

Self- care practices and associated factors among adult diabetic patients in public hospitals of Dire Dawa administration, Eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a huge growing problem, and causes high and escalating costs to society. Self- care practice for adults with diabetes is not well addressed in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. To prevent serious morbidity and mortality, diabetes treatment requires a commitment to demanding self-care practice. This study aimed to assess self- care practices and its associated factors among adults with diabetes in Dire Dawa public hospitals of Eastern, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 513 adults with diabetes. The study participants were selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected from February 1st to March 1st, 2018. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression with crude and adjusted odds ratios along with the 95% confidence interval was computed and interpreted accordingly. Good self-care was defined based on mean calculation; a result above the mean value had a good self-care practice, and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare a result as statistically significant.

RESULT

The result of the study showed that 55.9%, (95% CI: 51.4, 60.3) of participants had good self-care practices. Good self-care practice was associated with having family support, treatment satisfaction, diabetes education, having glucometer, higher educational status, duration of the disease, high economic status, and having good knowledge. Self-care practice was significantly associated with good diabetes knowledge (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.35), family support system (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI:1.56, 4.62), treatment satisfaction (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI:1.18, 3.62), diabetes education (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.63), high economic status (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.48), having glucometer,(AOR = 2.69, 95% CI:1.57, 4.63),higher educational status (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.31, 5.49), and duration of disease greater than 10 years AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.17, 6.26).

CONCLUSION

In this study, a large number of adults had poor self-care practices which are very significant in controlling diabetes. Providing diabetes education, about self-care practices to the respondents and their families should be considerable.

Diarrheal morbidity and predisposing factors among children under 5 years of age in rural East Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of preventable death among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Ethiopia, diarrhea is the major contributor to deaths for children under the age of 5 years. In order to develop prevention strategies for the alleviation of childhood diarrhea, it is necessary to identify the important predisposing factors. These predisposing factors have been observed to vary by location across Eastern Ethiopia. Moreover, the evidence on prevalence and determinants of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age in Dire Dawa and its suburbs is very limited and those available have been erratic. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of diarrhea among children under the age of 5 years in rural Dire Dawa, East Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Dire Dawa City Administration in May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit 1180 under-five children from the rural population of Dire Dawa City Administration. Data on socio-demographic, environmental, and child hygiene-related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for childhood diarrhea.

RESULTS

The 2-week prevalence of diarrhea among the under-five children was 23% (95% CI 20.8-25.7%). Maternal diarrhea (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.10-4.47), handwashing after contact with child feces (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI 2.01-19.55), use of a dipper to draw water from containers (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.41-5.89), and presence of a refuse disposal facility (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.09-5.60) were the significant predisposing factors of diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a high burden of childhood diarrheal disease in rural Dire Dawa City Administration in Eastern Ethiopia. The identified risk factors were maternal diarrhea, handwashing after contact with child feces, use of a dipper to draw water from containers, and presence of refuse disposal facility. To minimize the risk of diarrhea, health education programs focusing on good hygiene practice and sanitation as well as early treatment are recommended.

Knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Mothers of <6 Months Old Child in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Neonatal mortality is one of the challenging issues in current global health. Globally, about 2.5 million children die in the first month of life, out of which Sub-Saharan Africa accounts >40% per annual. Currently, the neonatal mortality rate in Ethiopia is 30/1000 live births. In the study area, there was a limitation of data on mothers’ knowledge towards neonatal danger signs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors.

Patients and Methods

A community-based cross-sectional design study was conducted in Dire Dawa from March 01/2019 to April 30/2019. Data were collected from 699 randomly selected mothers through a face-to-face interview. Bivariate logistic regression with p-value <0.25 was entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, AOR with 95% confidence intervals at P-value <0.05 was considered a significant association with the outcome variable.

Results

About 285 (40.8%) (95% CI: 37.3–44.3) of mothers had good knowledge of neonatal danger signs, and 97.1% (95% CI: 94.1, 99.3) of mothers sought medical care at a health facility. Mothers who were governmental employed (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.17–3.9), whose fathers’ educational level is secondary or above (AOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.18–4.49), four/more antenatal care visit (AOR=4.3, 95% CI: 1.5–12.3), whose baby developed danger signs (AOR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.13–5.73), and those mothers received education on neonatal danger sign (AOR=7, 95% CI: 4.2–11.5), had a significant association with knowledge of neonatal danger signs.

Conclusion

Maternal knowledge toward neonatal danger signs was low and a high number of mothers sought medical care at a health facility. Mother’s occupation, fathers’ education, development of neonatal danger signs, frequency of antenatal care visit, and received health education on neonatal danger signs were factors associated with mothers’ knowledge towards neonatal danger signs.

Determinants of pulmonary tuberculosis in public health facilities of Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-control study

Background

The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia Annual performance report in 2014-2015 showed that the highest prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) case in Ethiopia was reported from Dire Dawa city which was 400/100,000 population. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of pulmonary TB (PTB) in public health facilities of Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted from October to December 2017 among 95 cases and 190 controls in Dire Dawa city. Dire Dawa is one of the two chartered cities in Ethiopia like the capital city Addis Ababa. Cases and controls were identified and selected randomly from the health facilities. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire by trained data collectors. We used logistic regression to model the associations of independent variables with PTB infection.

Results

PTB was associated with patients' education (no formal education vs. formal education) (adjusted odds ratio [AQR] [95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0, [1.3, 7.1]), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive status (AOR [95% CI]: 3.1: [1.1,9.1]), previous contact history with TB patient (AOR [95% CI]: 9.9 [4.3,23.0]), body mass index (BMI) of ≤18 (AOR [95% CI]: 14.9 [6.4,35.1]), and cigarette smoking history (ever vs. never) (AOR [95% CI]: 6.7 [2.3,19.5]).

Conclusion

This study showed that patients' educational status, HIV status, cigarette smoking, contact history with PTB patient, and BMI were independently associated with being infected with PTB. To reduce PTB transmission, peoples should be educated on TB prevention and consequences of risky behaviors.

Level of physical activity among urban adults and the socio-demographic correlates: a population-based cross-sectional study using the global physical activity questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Globally, in 2016, 23.3% of adult populations were physically inactive, and it accounts for 9% of the global premature mortality. However, evidence on the level of physical activity was limited in resource-poor settings. This study, therefore, assessed the adult's level of physical activity and its correlates among the urban population in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A total of 872 randomly selected adults of age 25-64 years in Dire Dawa city, eastern Ethiopia, are included in this analysis. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) is used to measure physical activity. Individuals are considered physically active when they achieved metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) minutes of 600 or more per week, and otherwise inactive. A binary logistic regression is used to identify the correlates of physical activity.

RESULTS

54.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.6 to 58.2) of adults were physically active, with a higher proportion of men being physically active than women, 63.9% (95% CI 58.1 to 69.3) versus 50.6% (95% CI 46.5 to 54.6). Among the adults who reported doing physical activity, the highest domain-specific contribution to the total physical activity was from activities at workplaces, and leisure-time activities contributed the least. The proportion of adults who engaged in a high-level physical activity was 37.0% (95% CI 33.9 to 40.3). Male adults were 1.45 times (aOR (adjusted odds ratio) =1.45; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.99) more likely to achieve the recommended level of physical activity. In contrary, unemployed adults (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.75) were less likely to perform the recommended level of physical activity to accrue health benefits.

CONCLUSION

Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity should target unemployed and female adults. We recommend further study to explore the contextual factors that hinder physical activity in the study setting.

Guiding developments in flood-prone areas: Challenges and opportunities in Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia

One of the biggest challenges that developing countries are facing today is the management of development in flood-prone areas. Ethiopia is no exception, as it has suffered perennial floods in different parts of the country with devastating consequences. Floods in Dire Dawa are occurring more frequently than before and this is attributed to climate change, among other reasons. This study looks at guiding development in flood-prone areas in Dire Dawa. In this study, data were collected from selected kebeles (zones). Questionnaires, interviews and observation were used as data collection methods. Respondents were randomly selected from the communities for the administration of questionnaires. Analysis revealed that the return period of floods in Dire Dawa is getting shorter. The local authorities have come up with coping strategies, which are falling short of the expected outcome, with poor implementation being the major problem. The study concludes by recommending that the administration needs to identify and prioritise existing opportunities by implementing the already existing strategies. The city administration needs to establish a specific body for watershed management and flood protection responsible for carrying out research, early warnings, designs, pooling resources, implementing and managing interventions.

Factors associated with dengue fever outbreak in Dire Dawa administration city, October, 2015, Ethiopia - case control study

Background

Dengue Fever (DF) is underrecognized mosquito borne viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. In 2013, Ethiopia reported the first confirmed DF outbreak in Dire Dawa city which affected 11,409 people. During the outbreak investigation, we determined factors associated with DF and implemented control measures.

Methods

We conducted a 1:2 un-matched case control study from October 7–15/2015. Case was any person with fever of 2–7 days and more than two symptoms: headache, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, or bleeding from any part of the body. We recruited participants using purposive sampling from health facilities and used structured questionnaire to collect data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to control confounders and to identify factors associated with DF. Sixty-nine serum-samples were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results

We enrolled 210 participants (70 cases and 140 controls) in the study. Females accounted for 51.4% of cases and 57.1% of controls. The mean age was 23.7 ± 9.5 standard deviation (SD) for cases and 31.2 ± 13 SD for controls. Close contact with DF patient (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =5.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.75–10.44), nonuse of bed-nets (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.06–7.08) and stagnant water around the village (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.31–9.93) were independent risk factors. From the samples tested, 42 were confirmed positive.

Conclusions

Individuals who live with DF patient, around stagnant water and do not use bed nets are at high risk of contracting the disease. Health education on DF prevention was given and mosquito breeding sites were drained. Strong vector prevention strategies are recommended by enhancing the existing malaria prevention and control program.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7015-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Childhood overweight, obesity and associated factors among primary school children in dire dawa, eastern Ethiopia; a cross-sectional study

Background

Obesity in children is increasing worldwide. Malnutrition has become a double burden challenge of public health concern in developing countries. Childhood obesity increases the risk of chronic disease in childhood as well as adulthood. However, information is very scarce about childhood obesity in developing countries specifically in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to assess childhood overweight, obesity and associated factors among primary school children at Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A school based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa from 1^st to 30^th March, 2016. Study participants were selected using multistage sampling method. Pre-tested self-administered questionnaire, face to face interview technique and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data by eight well trained data collectors. Data were coded, cleaned and entered into EpiData software version 3.5.1, and exported into SPSS (version 21.0) statistical software, for data analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were carried out to identify associated factors with childhood overweight and obesity. Statistical significance was declared using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) at 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 14.7% (95% CI: 11.7, 18.0) and 5.8% (95% CI: 3.6, 8.0), respectively. Children who were from private school (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4, 8.5), from families belonged to high socioeconomic class (AOR = 16.9, 95% CI: 6.5, 23.9), preferred sweetened foods (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.1), had not engaged in regular physical exercise (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.5, 9.8), had experienced sedentary life style like spent their free time watching TV (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.6, 7.9), play computer game (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI:1.4,15.4), and were not having close friends (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.2) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity risk.

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity in children is on alarming stage in the study area. Therefore, more attention should be given to creating awareness about healthy diet and improving life style through school and public media in collaboration with concerned bodies.

Data on spatiotemporal urban sprawl of Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

The data presented in this paper shows the spatiotemporal expansion of Dire Dawa City (eastern Ethiopia) and the ensuing land use land cover changes in its peri-urban areas between 1985 and 2015. The data were generated from satellite images of Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper-Plus (ETM+) and OLI (Operational Land Image) with path/raw value of 166/053 by using Arc GIS 10.1 software. The precision of the images was verified by geolocation data collected from ground control points by using Geographic Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Four LULC classes (built up area, vegetation, barren land and farmland) with their respective spatiotemporal dimensions were clearly identified in the analysis. Built up area had shown an overall annual increment of 15.8% (82 ha per year) from 517 ha in 1985 to 2976 ha in 2015. Expansion took place in all directions but it was more pronounced along the main road towards other nearby towns, recently established business/service areas and the Industrial Park. Barren land, farmland and vegetation areas showed speedy decline over the years.

Bacterial profile of urinary tract infection and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among pregnant women attending at Antenatal Clinic in Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial profile of urinary tract infection (UTI) and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among pregnant women attending at antenatal clinic in Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 18, 2015 to March 25, 2015. Clean-catch midstream urine specimens were collected from 186 pregnant women using sterile containers. Then, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by standard disk diffusion method. Patient information was obtained using pretested structured questionnaire. Data were entered and cleaned using EpiData Version 3 and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (Version 16) for further analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of significant bacteriuria was 14%. Gram-negative bacteria were more prevalent (73%). Escherichia coli (34.6%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (19.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.4%), and Klebsiella spp. (11.5%) were common bacterial isolates, where most of them were resistant against ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. Multidrug resistance (resistance in ≥2 drugs) was seen in 100% of the isolated bacteria. A majority of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and gentamicin.

CONCLUSION

This study found a number of bacterial isolates with very high resistance to the commonly prescribed drugs from pregnant women with and without symptoms of UTI. Therefore, the early routine detection of causative agents of UTI and determining their drug susceptibility pattern are important for pregnant women to avoid complications in mother and fetus. Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and erythromycin can be used with great care for the empirical treatment of UTI.