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Objective: We aimed to assess performance parameters in a Hawassa Tuberculosis Culture Laboratory, in the Sidama Regional Public Health Institute. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 27 October 2020 and 31 May 2021, on 439 clinical specimens. The specimens were processed using standard procedures, and the final suspension was inoculated into a Microbial Growth Indicator Tube and Lowenstein–Jensen media slant. Ziehl–Neelsen staining and the Bioline test kit were used to identify and confirm Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26). Results: Out of a total of 439 specimens that were processed, the recovery rates for smear-positive specimens were 61% (25 out of 41) and 58.5% (24 out of 41) for the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube, and the Lowenstein–Jensen methods, respectively. For smear-negative samples, the recovery rates were 4.5% (18 out of 398) for both methods. Only 4 (0.9%) specimens were rejected. The mean turnaround times to detect mycobacteria from smear-positive samples were 14 and 32 days for the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube and Lowenstein–Jensen methods, respectively. The standard deviations were ±6.3 days and ±9.7 days, respectively. For smear-negative samples, the mean turnaround times were 17.7 and 31 days for the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube and Lowenstein–Jensen methods, respectively. The standard deviations were ±9.2 days and ±9.6 days, respectively. The contamination rates for the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube and Lowenstein–Jensen methods were 9.8% (43 out of 439) and 9.6% (42 out of 439), respectively. The detection rate of nontuberculosis mycobacteria was 1.4% (6 out of 439). Conclusion: It demands attention to improve the low recovery rate among smear-negative cultures and culture contamination rates.

Kassahun Dires Ayenew,1 Amare Ayalew,2 Yehualashet Teshome Wondmkun,1 Abate Wondesen Tsige,1 Addis Wolde,3 Yihenew Sewale,4 Gebremedhin Desta Belihu,5 Engidashet Fekade,1 Habtemariam Alekaw Habteweld1 1Department of Pharmacy, Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 2Department of Chemistry, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 3Traditional Herbalist, North Shewa Zone, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 4Department of Nursing, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 5Department of Statistics, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kassahun Dires Ayenew, Department of Pharmacy, Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus, Debre Berhan University, P.O. Box 445, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, Email kassh2009@gmail.comBackground: Ethiopians use Artemisia abyssinica and Lepidium sativum as immunity enhancers. However, there is no scientific validation conducted so far regarding this claim. The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vivo immunomodulatory activities of essential oils of A. abyssinica and L. sativum in mice.Methods: The extraction was carried out using the earlier techniques. By hydro distilling fresh seeds and aerial portions of A. abyssinica and L. sativum, respectively, essential oils were obtained. Essential oils of both plants were tested at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. The rate of carbon clearance, humoral antibody titer, delayed type hypersensitivity response, spleen and thymus indices were evaluated in mice according to scientific protocols. The carbon clearance assay was determined using carbon ink. Sheep red blood cell was used as an antigen for other tests.Results: Essential oils of A. abyssinica and L. sativum at 400 mg/kg significantly increased the rate of carbon clearance from the body of mice (p< 0.05). The maximum carbon clearance rate was achieved for A. byssinica essential oil at 400 mg/kg. Both essential oils raised the level of HAT to SRBC in comparison to the vehicle and cyclophosphamide administered groups. The largest (84.668± 1.951) mean secondary HAT to SRBC was generated by L. sativum essential oil at 400 mg/kg (p< 0.001). A. abyssinica essential oil at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased the level of thymus index compared to the model group (p< 0.05 and 0.01 respectively). The levamisole group experienced the highest increase in thymus index (p< 0.001). Essential oil of L. sativum at 400 mg/kg also increased the level of thymus index. The spleen index in mice was improved by the essential oils only at the highest dose levels (400 mg/kg).Conclusion: It can be inferred that the essential oils of L. sativum and A. abyssinica have immunostimulant properties.Keywords: Artemisia abyssinica, Lepidium sativum, immunomodulatory, in-vivo

Asrat Wolde,1 Nigatu Dessalegn2 1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pediatric Health Nursing, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Asrat Wolde, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia, Tel +251916389179, Email Asratwolde2017@gmail.comBackground: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, impairing mental disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Despite many factors putting adolescent girls at risk of PTSD, little is known about the prevalence and how adolescent girls cope with the PTSD burden. So, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among adolescent girls in three selected towns in Southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 adolescent girls from May 27 to July 27, 2021. The participants were selected by a systematic random sampling method. PTSD and substance use disorder were assessed by DSM V criteria for mental disorders. The data was entered into Epi Data Manager Version 4.0.2 before being exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. A logistic regression model was used, and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the final fitting model were stated as independent predictors of PTSD.Results: The prevalence of PTSD among the adolescent girls was 22%, and about three in four (72.7%) of the adolescent girls developed PTSD after exposure to sexual violence. Furthermore, PTSD was associated with Khat use disorder (AOR, 95% CI: 2.79 (1.47– 5.30), alcohol use disorder (AOR, 95% CI: 5.27 (2.21– 12.60), and suicidal behavior (AOR, 95% CI: 2.12 (1.20– 3.74)).Conclusion: The prevalence of PTSD was high among adolescent girls, and suicidal ideation or attempt, khat use disorder, and alcohol use disorder were risk factors for PTSD. Therefore, early screening for PTSD and comorbid risk factors among this particular age group and managing accordingly is warranted.Keywords: sexual violence, adolescent girls, khat use disorder, suicide, posttraumatic stress disorder, Ethiopia

Asrat Wolde,1 Wadu Wolancho,2 Yeshitila Belay,2 Asamirew Alemu,3 Ashenaf Asefa,3 Tsehaye Gebremedhin3 1Department of Psychiatry, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Asrat Wolde, Department of Psychiatry, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, Ethiopia, Tel +251916389179, Email Asratwolde2017@gmail.comBackground: Elderly abuse and comorbid problematic substance use, disability, and physical and mental illness have been major problems in low-income countries. In most countries, the elderly are the most neglected segment of the population, and there is insufficient information about elderly abuse perpetration or victimization in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess elderly abuse perpetration or victimization among the elderly in Mizan Aman town, southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 268 elderly people from May to June, 2021, by using a systematic sampling technique. The elderly abuse and the ASSIST tools were used to assess the elderly abuse and khat, alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use disorders, respectively. Moreover, multimorbidity and physical disability were also assessed. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 23. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of elderly abuse.Results: The prevalence of elder abuse was 41.8%, and the prevalence of poly substance, alcohol, khat, and tobacco use disorder was 32.5%, 19.4%, 12%, and 4.5%, respectively. Besides, the comorbidity of physical disability and multiple chronic diseases was 8% and 24.6%, respectively. Moreover, physical disability (AOR = 5.652, CI = 1.459, 21.894), multimorbidity (AOR = 3.972, CI = 1.898, 8.314), substance use disorder (AOR = 3.877, CI = 1.814, 8.286), age above 80 years (AOR = 8.452, CI = 2.273, 31.425), and poor social support (AOR = 3.372, CI = 1.043, 10.903) were positively associated with elderly abuse.Conclusion: The magnitude of elder abuse and comorbid multimorbidity, physical disability, and substance use disorder was high, and having multiple chronic diseases, physical disability, substance use disorder, advanced age, and poor social support were risk factors for elderly abuse.Keywords: elderly abuse, perpetration, victimization, khat use disorder, physical disability, multimorbidity, Ethiopia

Nigatu Dessalegn,1 Yalemtsehay Dagnaw,1 Kalid Seid,1 Asrat Wolde2 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan, Southwest Ethiopia People Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan, Southwest Ethiopia People Regional State, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Nigatu Dessalegn, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, PO Box 260, Mizan, Southwest Ethiopia People Regional State, Ethiopia, Tel +251-92-845-5726, Email nigatudes@gmail.comBackground: Due to unsanitary cord care practices, cord infections are more common and prevalent in developing countries. In settings where mortality is low, dry and clean cord care is recommended for newborns delivered in health facilities or at home. Cord care practices would directly contribute to infection in newborns, accounting for a large proportion of millions of annual neonatal deaths. This study aimed to assess the cord care practices of mothers and to identify areas for intervention.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of neonates who gave birth in the last six months. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to include women who visited pediatric OPD and immunization clinics. Epi data version 3.1 was used to enter the data and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The association between the outcome and independent variables was examined using binary logistic regression. The strength of the association was measured using odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-value. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Results: Four hundred twenty-two mothers were participated in the study. More than half (59.2%) of the respondents had good cord care practices, while nearly half (45.3%) mothers added nothing to the cord. Factors significantly associated with good cord care practices were educational status (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.34, 7.59), ANC follow-up (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.24, 10.32), initiation of breastfeeding (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.77), and apply anything to the cord (AOR = 3.08; 95% CI = 1.92, 4.95).Conclusion: The proportion of mothers with good cord care practices was inadequate. For such a high cause of neonatal death, prevention should be the priority intervention, and improving its implementation requires further effort.Keywords: newborn, cord care, Mizan, sepsis

Asrat Wolde Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Asrat WoldeDepartment of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaTel +251 916389179Email Asratwolde2017@gmail.comBackground: Problematic khat use is an emerging health problem worldwide. Trauma experience, crime, and substance misuse is closely related. However, there is lack of evidence whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and life time trauma exposure has a relationship with problematic khat use among prisoners in our country Ethiopia, or elsewhere. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between PTSD and life time trauma exposure with khat use disorder among newly admitted prisoners in Bench Shako and West Omo zone correctional institution, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 (N=422) prisoners from April 20 to July 19, 2019, by using a consecutive sampling technique. Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder were assessed with a life event check list and Post-traumatic stress disorder – civilian version (PCL-C), respectively. The WHO ASSIST tool was used to assess khat, alcohol, and tobacco use disorder. Antisocial personality disorder, criminal, and clinical history were also assessed. The data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. A logistic regression model was used and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the final fitting model were stated as independent predictors of PTSD.Results: Nearly one out of four prisoners exposed to life time trauma exposure developed PTSD, and the prevalence of khat use disorder among prisoners with life time trauma exposure and PTSD was 45% and 85%, respectively. Prisoners with khat use disorder had more than 5 times higher odds of association with PTSD than their counterparts (AOR=5.3, 95% CI=2.4– 11.8). In addition, antisocial personality disorder (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.6– 5.5), criminal recidivism (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.5– 4.3), and being a driver (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.2– 3.3) were positively associated with PTSD.Conclusion: Khat use disorder was higher among prisoners with life time trauma exposure and PTSD, and khat use disorder was positively associated with PTSD.Keywords: trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, prisoners, khat use disorder, crime, Ethiopia

Amanuel Wolde,1 Yosef Deneke,2 Tesfaye Sisay,3 Mesfin Mathewos,4 Haben Fesseha4 1College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science, Jinka University, Jinka, Ethiopia; 2School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; 3Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 4School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mesfin Mathewos Email Aboseme23@wsu.edu.etIntroduction: Escherichia coli are among the major causes of mortality and morbidity in under-five children in developing nations including Ethiopia.Methods: A non-analytical observational study design followed by a purposive sampling technique was conducted from October 2017 to June 2018, to isolate Escherichia coli and determine its associated risk factors from diarrheic children that were admitted to Christian hospital, Wolaita Sodo town. E. coli was confirmed using standard culture and biochemical analyses of the bacterium. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire was provided to evaluate the potential risk factors that contribute to diarrhea in children.Results: The overall isolation rate of E. coli in diarrheic children was 61.8% (68/110) (95% CI: 52.1– 70.9%). Factors such as age, contact with either animals or manure, negligence to handwashing before a meal with soap, and exclusive breastfeeding at six months (p< 0.05) has significant contribution to the prevalence of the E. coli in diarrheic children. The odds of being infected were highest in children whose caretakers had a habit of the negligence of handwashing before the meal (AOR = 6; 95% CI 30.8– 49.8%; p = 0.01).Conclusion: Improving the hygienic practices amongst parents of children reduces its Escherichia coli occurrence. Furthermore, awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to parents of children should be maximized.Keywords: children, diarrhea, Escherichia coli, risk factors, Wolaita Sodo

Haben Fesseha,1 Mesfin Mathewos,1 Saliman Aliye,1 Amanuel Wolde2 1School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 2College of Agriculture, Department of Animal Health, Jinka University, Jinka, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Haben Fesseha Email haben.senbetu@wsu.edu.etBackground: In the global dairy industry, mastitis is the main economic significant disease of cattle. Milk and other dairy outputs are scarce in developed countries, including Ethiopia.Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation in the Modjo district, milk samples were collected aseptically from 384 randomly selected lactating cattle to investigate the prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis and determine the possible risk factors and isolate bacterial pathogens causing mastitis. Besides, clinical mastitis cases have been reported by veterinarians based on milk, udder, or systemic cow anomalies, whereas the presence of subclinical mastitis was determined using California Mastitis Test (CMT).Results: The research revealed that subclinical mastitis (71.02%) is more prevalent in dairy farms of the study area than in the clinical type (28.9%). The quarter-level frequency was 36.9%; from which, 34.9% and 3.4% were from subclinical form and blind teat, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the frequency of mastitis in lactating cows (p < 0.05) and factors, such as breed, age, body condition score, herd size, milking mastitic cow at the end, and previous mastitis history. The dominant mastitis-causing agents isolated in this study were Staphylococcus aureus (40.3%), Streptococcus species (24.3%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (12.5%), E. coli (8.3%), Staphylococcus hyicus (3.5%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (1.4%). The high occurrence of mastitis, particularly sub-clinical mastitis, revealed significant economic potential losses in dairy farms in the research district.Conclusion: Therefore, appropriate measures aimed at increasing the understanding and hygiene milking methods of dairy farmers, routine monitoring for subclinical mastitis, dry cow therapy, and culling of chronically contaminated cows to reduce bovine mastitis and its impact on milk production and food security.Keywords: California mastitis test, dairy cow, mastitis, risk factor, Modjo

Temesgen Kifle,1 Mesfin Mathewos,1 Haben Fesseha,1 Aschenaki Abate,2 Amanuel Wolde3 1School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 2Jinka Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research, Jinka, Ethiopia; 3College of Agriculture, Department of Animal Health, Jinka University, Jinka, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mesfin Mathewos Email Aboseme23@wsu.edu.etIntroduction: Ticks are major health problems of goats that contribute to a significant economic loss in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted to determine the prevalence, potential risk factors of hard ticks (Acarina: Ixodidae) of goats, and the acaricide utilization practice of herd owners in the Benatsemay district.Results: Out of 285 examined goats, 85.26% of goats were found infested by Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma tick genera. The body condition score of goats was the only factor that was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestations. The frequently identified tick species were Rhipicephalus pulchellus (14.38%), Rh. decoloratus (11.22%), A. cohaerens (5.26%) and A. variegatum (4.21%), and mixed infestation (38.59%). Herd owner’s questionnaire survey revealed that 100% of interviewees responded that tick infestations were frequently encountered throughout the year and prevailed on aged goats (90%) and dry season (60%). Concurrent usage of ethnomedicinal plants and conventional acaricides were dominant practices to control tick infestation as responded by 60% of interviewees. Among the conventional acaricides, Diazinon and Ivermectin were the most practiced acaricides as replied by 90% of the respondents. Moreover, community animal health workers (CAHWs) (43.33%) and owners themselves (33.33%) were primarily responsible for acaricide application to tick-infested animals. About 66.67% of the livestock owner’s responses also disclosed that diazinon was the most effective acaricide followed by ivermectin (16.67%) and amitraz (6.67%). Finally, 56.57% of the respondents replied that acaricidal drugs from private veterinary drug shops were overpriced than the same acaricides from government veterinary clinics.Conclusion: In this study, there was a high prevalence of hard ticks in goats, and irrational application of acaricides was noted in the Benatsemay district; thus, appropriate tick control measures should be taken to minimize tick burden through using acaricides.Keywords: acaricide, Benatsemay, goats, Ixodidae ticks

Anbessaw Wolde,1 Dereje Haile,2 Ufaysa Anjulo,1 Jegnaw Wolde1 1Wolaita Zone Health Department, Sodo, Southern Ethiopia, Ethiopia; 2Departments of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Southern Ethiopia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dereje Haile Email derehaile2010@gmail.comBackground: The ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and achieve their desired number of children as well as the spacing and timing of their birth is family planning. Access to family planning and ensuring that needs are met is based on human rights. Nonetheless, for most women, this need has not been met. In addition, in this study field, there was minimal evidence regarding this. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unmet need of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women in Damot Woyde district, southern Ethiopia.Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20 to 28, 2019. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 658 currently married women of child-bearing age in the study areas. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of dependent variables and the adjusted odds ratios with its 95% confidence interval was used to report the level of association. Variables with a P-value< 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.Results: The total unmet need for modern contraceptive methods was 169 (26.3%; 95% CI= 22.9– 29.7%) among currently married women for the study participants. In multiple logistic regression analysis, educational status (AOR=4.3; 95% CI=1.1– 14.7), women with five or more, and three-to-four children(AOR=4.3; 95% CI=1.4– 13.1 and AOR=2.8; 95% CI=1.1– 7.8, respectively), little perceived risk of pregnancy due to infrequent sexual intercourse (AOR=2.2; 95% CI=1.3– 3.8), and little perceived risk of pregnancy due to breast feeding (AOR=2.3; 95% CI=1.3– 4.10) were factors associated with the unmet need of modern contraceptive methods.Conclusion and Recommendation: This study revealed that unmet need for modern contraceptive methods was found to be high compared to the national and regional figures. Therefore, community health workers and health professionals should be strengthening communication and discussion at grass root level in order to promote the right time for using family planning. District health office and other concerned bodies should collaborate with the education office to expand formal and non-formal education for women in order to decrease the unmet need for modern contraceptive methods.Keywords: unmet need, contraceptive, Ethiopia

Asrat Wolde,1 Yonas Tesfaye,2 Yimenu Yitayih2 1Department of Psychiatry, Colleague of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia; 2Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Asrat WoldeDepartment of Psychiatry, Colleague of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaTel +251916389179Email Asratwolde2017@gmail.comBackground: Psychopathy is an emerging health and behavioral problem worldwide. Psychopathy is linked to risk substance use, maltreatment, violence, crime, and reoffending, but little is known about psychopathy in low income countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and factors associated with psychopathy among newly-admitted prisoners in Bench Sheko and West Omo zone correctional center, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to July 19, 2019, among 411 (N=422) newly-admitted Bench Sheko and West Omo zone correctional center prisoners by using a consecutive sampling technique. A semi-structured and interviewer administered psychopathy checklist revised tool was used for screening psychopathy. WHO, ASSIST tool was used for screening risk use of khat, tobacco, and alcohol. Trauma, maltreatment, and social support were assessed with a life event checklist, adverse life experience screening tool, and Oslo social support scale, respectively. In addition, Criminal and clinical history of the prisoner was also assessed. The data was entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21 for statistical analysis. A logistic regression model was used. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the final fitting model were declared as independent predictors of psychopathy.Results: The prevalence of psychopathy was 24.3%. Childhood maltreatment (AOR=6, 95% CI=2.2– 17.5), risky khat use (AOR=4.6, 95% CI=2.4– 8.7), poor social support (AOR=3.5, 95% CI=1.9– 6.6), family history of imprisonment (AOR=3, 95% CI=1.5– 6), history of trauma (AOR=2.3, 95% CI=1.1– 4.8), and reoffending (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.1– 3.8) were positively associated variables with psychopathy.Conclusion: Psychopathy is highly prevalent among newly-admitted prisoners. Integrated efforts involving relevant stakeholders are needed to design strategies for early screening of psychopathy to prevent reoffending, and management of risk substance use at admission is crucial.Keywords: psychopathy, prisoners, crime, khat use, Ethiopia

Ufaysa Anjulo,1 Dereje Haile,2 Anbessaw Wolde1 1Wolaita Zone Health Department, Sodo, Southern Ethiopia; 2Reproductive Health and Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Southern EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dereje Haile Email derehaile2010@gmail.comBackground: Hypertension is an emerging public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. However, there are limited studies and data are scarce in these countries, particularly in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in this study area.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Areka town. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 581 adults. Information on socio-demographic data, behavioral and dietary habits, and family history of hypertension were collected using face-to-face interview. Measurements of weight, height, and blood pressure were taken using digital weighing scale, Stadio-meter, and digital sphygmomanometer respectively. Data were entered and cleaned in Epi-Data version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regressions were done and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify associated factors.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among the study participants was 19.1% (95% CI: 15.9– 22.4). Out of these, more than half (57.3%) of the cases were newly screened for hypertension. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis; history of perceived childhood obesity (AOR:2.8 (95% CI:1.6,5.1)), age 55 years and above (AOR=8.90, 95% CI: 3.77– 21.02), family history of hypertension (AOR= 2.57, 95% CI: 1.17– 5.64), fatty meat intake (AOR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.05– 3.65), eating vegetables less than two days per week (AOR=2.81, 95% CI: 1.24– 6.37) and being obese (AOR=11.59, 95% CI: 4.7– 27.62) were associated factors of developing hypertension.Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence was found to be high among adults indicating the hidden burden of the problem in the area. Therefore, the health systems need to develop strategies for community-based screening, strategies that focus on life cycle-based approach because childhood and adolescence are crucial times for the prevention of NCDs including hypertension. Health education on eating behavior and life style modifications to maintain normal body weight are recommended.Keywords: hypertension, prevalence, associated factors, Areka, Ethiopia

Yitagesu Mamo,1 Adane Asefa,2 Qaro Qanche,2 Tadesse Dhuguma,3 Asrat Wolde,4 Tadesse Nigussie2 1Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 4Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Yitagesu MamoDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, EthiopiaTel +251910898795Email mamoyitagesu@gmail.comBackground: COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by a transmissible respiratory virus, SARS-Cov-2. Because it is a novel pathogen, limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness, transmission efficiency, and the duration of viral shedding for patients with COVID-19. Quarantine is an important component of a multilayered strategy to prevent sustained spread of COVID-19 everywhere. The aim of this study was to assess public perceptions toward quarantine for COVID-19 and associated factors among adult residents of selected towns in Southwest Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 15 June 2020 among adult residents of selected towns in south west Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used to select 844 participants. A structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe different variables. Multiple linear regression was carried out to determine the predictors of outcome variables. In multiple linear regression, variables with p-value < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant association with community perception toward quarantine.Results: The total of 816 study participants were interviewed from which 450 (55.1%) were male. The median age of respondents was 30 years. Four hundred and twenty-seven (52.3%) of the respondents have a positive perception toward quarantine. Factors associated with perception toward quarantine were having training on COVID-19 (β=2.76, p=0.005), educational status of secondary (β=2.73, p=0.001), educational status to above secondary (β=2.24, p=0.011), occupational status of merchant (β=1.73, p=0.020), and knowledge of COVID-19 (β=0.23, p=0.001).Conclusion: Only 52.3% of the respondents have a positive perception toward quarantine. Having training on COVID-19, educational status of secondary and above, being a merchant, knowledge of COVID-19 and knowledge of quarantine were significantly associated with a positive perception toward quarantine. Concerned bodies should work on enhancing the awareness of the community through information education and communication/behavior changing communication materials.Keywords: community perception, quarantine, COVID-19, SARS-Cov-2, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Medical and health science students are among the demographics most at risk from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a serious hazard to public health. The main reservoir for MRSA is the nasal cavity, and colonization of this area can raise the risk of infection and transmission in healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the nasal carriage rate of MRSA among clinically affiliated students at Haramaya University, College of Health and Medicine Sciences, Ethiopia, from July to August 2022. An institution-based cross-sectional study of 250 study participants was conducted using a stratified random sampling methods. The data were collected via structured questionnaires. Nasal swabs were cultured on mannitol salt agar and blood agar at 37 °C for 24 h. Staphylococcus aureus was identified using catalase and coagulase tests. The MRSA was screened using the cefoxitin disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. The data were entered and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to predict associations between variables. A p value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. The nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was 8% (95% CI: 4.6-11.3%). The Nasal carriage rate of MRSA was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.1-7.4%). Overall, 4.8% of all the students were identified as MRSA carriers. MRSA carriage was high among medical students (33.3%). Nose-picking habit (X2 = 16.7, P = 0.001) and dormitory occupancy (X2 = 3.6, P = 0.045) were significantly associated with the MRSA rate. All the MRSA strains were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin. However, all the MRSA strains were susceptible to chloramphenicol and clindamycin. This study revealed that MRSA is a threat due to significant resistance. Nasal carriage is associated with nose picking and dorm occupancy. Encourage practices such as avoiding nose picking and maintaining personal cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces can reduce the presence of MRSA.

Out-of-classroom activities can help cultivate interest and literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. To determine how a week-long out-of-classroom experience might impact STEM interest in adolescents, a free summer camp was offered to students entering grades 6-8. During this time, students participated in coding courses, microbiology lessons, and earth science sessions. This study uses statistical regression methods on pre- and post-camp surveys to gauge relationships between parental support, socioeconomic factors, and student desire to major in STEM disciplines in the future. Our results indicate that respondents who felt more encouraged at home showed improvement in opinion regarding their desire to major in STEM disciplines after the intervention. Families that encouraged STEM literacy also tended to belong to well-represented ethnic groups in STEM, suggesting, among other things, the intergenerational pattern in STEM matriculation and the challenge that this poses to increasing enrollment of underrepresented groups in related disciplines.