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Abstract Background Malaria continues a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, with Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) proving effective in reducing transmission. Despite their effectiveness, consistent LLIN utilization is influenced by various factors. While previous research has quantitatively analyzed LLIN ownership and usage, there is a lack of in-depth examination of the behavioral, sociocultural, socioeconomic, and distribution-related factors affecting their sustained use. This study aimed to explore barriers to persistent LLIN use among communities in northwest Ethiopia. Methods The study area found in Northwest Ethiopia, specifically in East Belessa District, is located at 12° 14’ 60.00” N latitude and 37° 44’ 59.99” E longitude, with an altitude between 1,200 and 1,800 m above sea level. Thirty-nine community members from five focus group discussions, along with five key informants, were interviewed between February 1st and 30th, 2020, about their use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). An interpretive description approach was employed to explore local contexts and factors affecting LLIN utilization. Focus group participants were selected based on residency status, pregnancy, caretaking of under-five children, and experience with LLINs. Key informants included health extension workers and the woreda malaria officer. Data were organized and analyzed using Open Code Version 4.03 software, with coding and theme identification conducted accordingly. Results All 44 community members from the five focus group discussions and the five key informants participated fully in the study. The study categorized its findings into three main themes: knowledge of malaria and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) use, perception of malaria threat, and barriers to sustained LLIN utilization. It identified factors spanning individual, socio-cultural, institutional, and socio-economic realms that impede consistent LLIN usage. Key hindrances include cultural misinterpretations, discomfort from heat and bed bugs, diverse net shapes, insufficient sleeping spaces, lack of awareness, inadequate distribution, neglect of vulnerable groups, misuse of non-sleeping purposes, hesitancy to hang nets, and restricted accessibility. Conclusions This study reveals that practical concerns, including inadequate access to LLINs, distribution issues, discomfort from net shape and warmth, and unintended uses for non-malaria purposes, impact LLIN utilization. Socio-cultural norms, housing conditions, and varied understanding of malaria also contribute to inconsistent LLIN use. Strategies like providing compatible nets and comprehensive education could improve the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets program’s effectiveness in the area.

Abstract Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the leading cause of health concerns among Ethiopian migrant workers. Understanding risk perception and health-protective behavior are significant challenges in the prevention and eradication of the disease. As a result, studies are required to assess these important epidemiological factors, which will provide guidance on how to assist migrant workers in taking preventive measures against VL. Method We conducted qualitative research among migrant workers on seasonal agricultural farms in Northwest Ethiopia between June and November 2019 to assess their perception of the risk of contracting VL and their willingness to use protective measures against the disease. Seventeen focus group discussions and 16 key informant interviews were conducted to study migrant workers’ risk perception in relation to sandfly bite exposure and use of sandfly control measures. For analysis, all interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated. ATLASti was used to perform qualitative content analysis on the data. Result Migrant workers are fearful of VL because of previous exposure and the disease’s prevalence in the area. They believe, however, that VL is a minor illness that is easily treated. While Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) are widely accepted as a protective measure, there are still reservations about using them due to the seasonality of the transmission, difficulties in hanging them on farm areas, and a preference for alternative traditional practices. Regardless of perceived self-efficacy, the central cues were the message delivered by the health workers and an increase in sandfly bite irritation. Based on the findings, three levels of intervention modalities are suggested: 1) increasing pre-arrival awareness through outdoor media (posters, stickers, billboards), 2) encouraging proper use of protective measures upon arrival at farm camps, and 3) informing departing workers on disease recognition and best practices for health-seeking continuous use of protective measures at home. Conclusion This finding suggests that VL prevention interventions should focus on individuals’ perceptions in order to promote consistent use of protective measures. The findings are highly useful in planning effective interventions against VL.

Abstract Background The World Health Organization estimates that globally only 43% of women have access to skilled care during deliveries and the rest are exposed to unskilled delivery service. A recent Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey report stated that maternal death was 412 per 100,000 in 2016.This still indicates that maternal health remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia irrespective of the government’s measure to institutional delivery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of home delivery and associated factors among women of child bearing age in Sherkole district, Western Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted among women aged 15–49 years in Sherkole district, Benishangul Gumuz region from January to June 2018. A total of 451 randomly selected women were included in the study. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with home delivery among women in the child bearing age. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. Results The magnitude of home delivery was 353 (80%) and were assisted by non-skilled birth attendants. Mothers whose husband chooses the place of delivery [AOR: 5.6, 95% CI (2.1–15.2), Mothers’ occupation ([AOR: 0.21 95% C I (0.08–0.57), ANC visit [AOR: 95 CI: 5.1(1.6–15.8), decision making [AOR: 95 CI: 0.3(0.01–0.7)] and traditional remedies [AOR: 95%CI: 0.03 (0.01–0.09)] were significantly associated with home delivery. Conclusions Based on the findings of the survey, it was concluded that the overall magnitude of home delivery was found to be high. Therefore, it is recommended that the promotion of antenatal care follow-up with maternal and child health information particularly on delivery complications or danger signs needs due attention and remedial actions. In addition, it is indispensable introducing defaulter tracing mechanisms in ANC services, by learning from experiences of settings that have already adopted it.